The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America hosted its 15th Annual Ecumenical Prayer Service on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. A beloved diocesan tradition, the annual event honors a distinguished clergyman within the ecumenical circle whose ministry exemplifies dedication, pastoral leadership, and a commitment to Christian unity. This year, the Western Diocese celebrated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, recognizing his influential role in fostering dialogue and fellowship among the Christian churches of the West Coast.
The evening commenced with welcoming remarks delivered by the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian, who emphasized the profound significance of prayer and fellowship in advancing the mission of ecumenism. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, His Excellency Karen Israyelyan; the Consul General of Greece in Los Angeles, Her Excellency Christina Valasopoulos; Diocesan Council Chairman Mr. Derik Ghookasian; members of the Diocesan Council; and numerous clergy and community leaders. The presence of these distinguished guests underscored the importance of interchurch cooperation and the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to strengthening fraternal bonds.
A broad spectrum of ecumenical representatives participated in the service, including members of the Brotherhood of the Great House of Cilicia—Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian and Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian—along with Fr. Armenag Bedrossian representing the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of North America; Rev. Hedrik Shanazarian, Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos; His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church; Bishop John Harvey Taylor of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles; Bishop Francois Beyrouti, Eparch of Newton of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church; Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco; and several additional religious leaders. The liturgical hymns of the evening were beautifully rendered by the Shnorhali Choir of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral under the direction of Deacon Artur Vardanyan, joined by the Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Choir.
In his address, the Diocesan Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, highlighted the ecumenical movement as a vital path toward deepened church dialogue and, ultimately, Christian unity. Reflecting on the upcoming 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, Archbishop Derderian noted the historic and theological significance of the council in shaping the shared foundations of Christian faith. He praised Metropolitan Gerasimos for his exemplary leadership and his positive influence within the interchurch community. As a gesture of brotherly respect and gratitude, Archbishop Derderian presented the Metropolitan with a 19th-century Orthodox miniature painting.
Archbishop Derderian concluded the evening by expressing heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the annual gathering—Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian for his role as moderator, Mr. Hayk Madoyan, Ecumenical Officer of the Western Diocese, for his exceptional organizational efforts, the participating choirs for their musical offerings, and the Ladies of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral for their gracious hospitality in preparing the Agape reception.
The ecumenical prayer service was followed by a warm and festive reception in the Hampar Family Room of the Western Diocese and was livestreamed on the Diocese’s Facebook page, allowing faithful from near and far to join in this meaningful celebration of unity and faith.
