Clergy Executive Council Meets At The Diocesan Headquarters

On November 24, 2015, a Clergy Executive Council meeting was held at the Diocesan Headquarters related to the Centennial Commemorations of the Armenian Genocide and the 90th anniversary of establishment of the Western Diocese. 

The following items were discussed and analyzed prior to finalization.

The Centennial of the Armenian Genocide

The Canonization of the Martyrs of 1915 and its relative celebrations to be named “Spiritual Awakening.” The motto shall be adopted and essential efforts towards the fulfillment of the agenda shall be implemented. The motive is to provide a spiritual background to the celebrations.

On December 27, 2015, the Icon of the Canonized Martyrs shall be consecrated by His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, the Primate. Duplicates of the icon will be distributed to Parishes throughout the Diocese.

On a Sunday, parish priests of each Diocesan Parish shall anoint the received copy of the Icon amidst the presence of the congregation. The Icon is intended to be mounted in a small shrine.

A small shrine shall be built inside the sanctuary for the above-mentioned Icon.

On this occasion, a special message from the Primate shall be read during the anointment ceremony.

It was decided to publish a brochure containing a copy of the Icon. This brochure intended for the faithful shall include the Christian definition of the words “Saint” and “Sainthood/Holiness,” as well as their importance in our lives. The brochure shall also include authoritative testimonies on understanding these terms.

A special shrine shall be dedicated at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral of the Western Diocese to permanently host a relic of 1915 Martyrs. The purpose of the aforementioned is to ensure the continuous presence of the martyred saints amongst us and to provide the spiritual comfort to the faithful.

Organize a “Pilgrimage day” to St. Leon Armenian Cathedral on this occasion.

90th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Western Diocese

On February 2-3, 2015 a two-day clergy conference is scheduled with an exceptional agenda containing a number of special topics. This conference is truly geared for spiritual renewal of the clergymen.

On the occasion of the 90th Anniversary, 90 couples with valuable input in the life of the Western Diocese will be honored.

The Diocese will actively prepare for the Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Karekin II on the occasion of the 90th Anniversary. 

A suggestion was made to upload all the important publications of the Western Diocese on the Diocesan website.  Start the publication of a newspaper named “Daily Voice of the Armenian Church.”

The Pastors of all the parishes will be required to give a sermon on “Priesthood” on January 17, 2016. Efforts shall be made by each parish to recruit potential Priesthood Candidates.

Syrian Armenian Community

Considering the civil war and political turmoil in Syria, the clergy heard the horrific living conditions of the Syrian Armenian community. Fundraising events shall be immediately organized by each Diocesan parish to provide financial assistance to the struggling community.