“THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS” was the theme of the Western Diocese 2026 Annual Retreat. Shimmering sunshine, trees, flowers, and birds, under a bright blue sky set the stage for over 90 retreaters at the Serra Retreat center in Malibu on April 13-14, 2026.
The celebrant of the morning opening Divine Liturgy was Fr. Nzhdeh Keshishyan, who read a heartfelt message from His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese.
The guest homilist was Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Nerses Seminary in New York, who declared “The Tomb is Empty, He is Risen. No one after the genocide would believe that so many of us would be gathered here today, mirroring the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The afternoon session started with Welcoming Remarks by Chairlady Lena Simonian and Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, Spiritual Advisor of the Committee.
Speakers included:
Masis Zoboyan:
“Forgiveness Demonstrates Strength”
Joseph was his prime example of a powerful Biblical forgiving-hero who overcame the hateful bitterness of his brothers that sold him. He demonstrated supernatural love, faith, humility and grace, forgiving them with tears of joy.
Fr. Vazken Movsesian:
“Understanding God’s Forgiveness”
Referring to Peter’s question to the Lord, “How many times must I forgive?”
The focus of his message was on “7x77” — the answer provided by Jesus.
Fr. Krikor Zakaryan
“Why and How to Forgive?”
“Forgive because God commanded it; because it heals the soul, and because we gain spiritual power.”
“How? By recognizing our own need for mercy; by praying for people who persecute us, to release the venom of non-forgiving in us; by responding to hatred with love in order to create a miracle; by avoiding vengeance and judgement so we can breathe freely.”
A somber procession of the cross followed at dusk, prior to the evening supper.
The evening vesper prayers were prepared and presented by Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian “Lord, Grant Us Forgiveness”
A collection of 6 bilingual inspirational healing prayers were read by audience participation, under the heading of “O LORD, HEAR MY PRAYER”.
For the final gathering of the evening, the attendees were treated to the movie “Forgiven” with some popcorn.
As coined by the poet Alexander Pope,“To err is human. To forgive, divine.”
The second day started with songs of praise, “Aravod Lousso, Arekagn Artar,” during the glorious Sunrise Service, under warm rays on the mountain top, after breakfast. It was led by Fr. Tachejian and Fr. Zakaryan who also delivered a short message.
The closing message of the event (“A Selection of Prayers on Forgiveness”) was delivered by Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian
Excerpts from the Divine Liturgy were read to clarify the spiritual aspect of Confessional Prayers, specifically focusing on “Meghanchetsi,” prior to Holy Communion.
Fr. Haroutioun additionally invited two young mental health professionals, Daria Duhancioglou and Taline Shishoyan to share some thoughts about the impact and benefit of confessing and forgiveness in physical wellbeing.
In wrapping up, Fr. Krikor Zakaryan touched on the subject of “Self Forgiveness.” Referring to the self-destructive power of guilt, he advised, “If you are stuck in a dark place, ‘dark room’, let the Illuminating Light of Christ come in and Liberate you. OPEN THE DOOR TO CHRIST”
The uplifting overnight event came to its close by the Lord’s Prayer.
