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Serve Where Christ Is: Discover Your Ministry

Western Diocese Of the Armenian Church

Building Faith, Leadership, and Community

Continuing Education within the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church constitutes a dynamic and multi-faceted ministry, functioning both as the foundation of Christian formation and as a strategic framework for lifelong learning. Within the broader Christian tradition, education occupies a place of critical importance, serving as the primary means by which the Armenian Church cultivates discipleship, preserves doctrinal integrity, and ensures the transmission of faith across generations. The programs, initiatives, and activities outlined below exemplify the Diocese’s commitment to education at every stage of life and within the important spheres of church engagement. This secures the rootedness of the Armenian faithful in their Christian faith, Armenian heritage, and ecclesial traditions.

2025 - Impact by the numbers:

  • Over 3,000 youth participate in Diocese wide programs.
  • Over 220 dedicated teachers work across our entire Diocese, forming the backbone of faith education for the next generation.

 

Foundational Christian Education

Sunday School

The Sunday School of the Western Diocese—held regularly on Sundays in more than XX parishes—serves as a core ministry of the church. It nu...

Saturday Schools

Saturday Schools form a cornerstone of Armenian language and cultural education throughout the Diocese. In the 2025–2026 school year, the c...

Day Schools

The education mission of the Diocese expands further with day schools. The Hovsepian School in Pasadena, founded in 1984 at St. Gregory the Illuminato...

Youth and Young Adult Formation

Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYO)

This youth organization is one of the longest running and important programs of the Diocese, founding nearly 80 years ago. In recent years ACYO is exp...

Diocesan Camp

The Diocese hosts youth programs, retreats, and a variety of activities at the Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Camp, a 160-acre property in Dunlap, Califo...

Clergy and Lay Vocation Development

Recruitment and Training for Clergy Candidates

Recognizing the vital importance of identifying and preparing future clergy, the Diocese places particular emphasis on the recruitment of qualified ca...

Deacons’ and Altar Servers’ Training

The Diocese conducts annual week-long formation programs for newly ordained deacons and altar servers. Convened at the Diocesan Camp, these programs p...

Lay Ministry Program

Launched in May 2024, the Lay Ministry Program builds on the ongoing educational series in Christianity and Armenian Church studies. Designed to provi...

Initiatives in Parish Leadership and Engagement

Parish Leadership Training Program

In February 2025, the Diocese launched the Parish Leadership Training Program, designed for parish council members, diocesan delegates, and committee ...

Innovating Our Parish Initiative

Recognizing that vibrant parishes are essential to the life of the communities in the Diocese, the Innovating Our Parish initiative was launched in 20...

Continuing Christian Formation

Bible Studies

Since 2006, the Diocese offers comprehensive Bible Study programs, reaching thousands of faithful across parishes and online platforms. These programs...

Christian Study Courses

Weekly Faith Formation Courses Since 2012, the Diocese has offered weekly courses examining the fundamental principles of the Armenian faith. Leverag...

Spiritual Retreats

Diocesan Summer Camp Retreats: Since 2013, the Diocese hosts three-day retreats at the Diocesan camp, offering participants opportunities for in-depth...

Scholarly and Educational Resources

Diocesan Publications and Educational Resources

Since 2003, the Diocese has published over 500 titles, including more than 100 authored by the Primate, along with numerous booklets, study guides, an...

Diocesan Library

Opened in 2005 by His Holiness Karekin II, the library now holds over 15,000 volumes, including rare books, manuscripts, and illuminated miniatures. W...

Advancing Education in Armenia and the Diaspora

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund

Established in 2013, the Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund represents a cornerstone of the Diocese’s mission in education. Grounded i...

Yerevan State University

In 2024, the establishment of the Friends of Yerevan State University Foundation at the Diocesan headquarters marked a new level of institutional coop...

American University of Armenia

Since 2019, the Western Diocese has been recognized as one of the “100 Pillars of AUA,” contributing to the strengthening of the American ...

Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology

Through its partnership with the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), the Diocese has demonstrated its dedication to advancing innov...

Harichavank Monastic Seminary

In 2012, with the generous patronage of Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian, the Diocese undertook the full restoration of the Harichavank Monastic Seminar...