The Diocese
Posted: 08/12/2020
As Holy Scripture spells out (Acts 6), the first deacons of the Church were ordained to assist the Apostles in the Christian ministry which was quickly expanding after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. For centuries, and now for two millennia, the Christian Church has found a strong front-line ambassador and soldier in the deacon. Today, the Armenian Church in the Western Diocese is expanding quickly and the need for qualified and trained deacons to meet the needs of the Church and her people is ever more important.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Diocese, has appointed a group of young deacons to serve as the Deacons’ Council, to organize activities and continuing education programs for the deacons serving throughout the Western Diocese. He has appointed Fr. Vazken Movsesian, to guide and direct the Council.
The Deacon’s Ministry
In the Christian Church there are three main ranks of clergy: deacons, priests and bishops, each of which are scripturally designated with duties and responsibilities within the Church. Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, the clergy receive the authority to minister within the Church. On his ordination day, each deacon, on bended knee came before a bishop who vested him with rights and privileges to serve within the Armenian Church. Primary among the deacon’s responsibilities is to serve at the Holy Altar during the sacred Divine Liturgy. But there are other responsibilities, and the Deacons’ Council is here to assist those who wish to explore more closely the gifts of ordination. The focus will be on service to the holy altar as well as to work closely with parish priests in the ministry of the Church – to reach out to the sick, the bereaved and those suffering injustices.
Continuing Education Program
To achieve its goals, the Deacons’ Council is presenting continuing education programs for the deacons in the following areas:
1) Liturgical – Knowledge of the Holy Badarak, the Seven Hours of the Church, the Seven Sacraments, Holy Week and in the Armenian language.
2) Theology of the Armenian Church - 20 sessions
3) Bible Study - knowledge and methods of teaching - 20 sessions
4) Social Outreach via pastoral assistance
Continuing education will take place using virtual formats and will include a system of accreditation and certification. Instructors are priests and scholars in the subject area. The entire program is scheduled to be unveiled in October 2020.
Pilgrimages
Pilgrimages – visiting holy shrines and spaces – are set up to build comradery among the deacons as well as to present opportunities to renew the deacons’ vows. Two have been scheduled for this year:
Conferences
Organized annually, the first one is scheduled for Lent 2021. Here deacons can come to learn from instructors and one-another.
Outreach Ministry
Considering the various ministries of the Western Diocese and the growing spiritual needs within the communities served by its churches, the Deacon will play a crucial role in assisting local parish priests in ministering to the congregation on multiple levels. True to his calling, the Deacon will be engaging in Christian ministry through outreach programs.
Commending Fr. Vazken Movsesian's vital role in the success of the expansion of the Deacons' ministry, the Diocesan Primate said "Fr. Vazken is a visionary priest of the Armenian Apostolic Church who continues to fulfill his pastoral ministry with a compassionate heart. Undoubtedly, under his leadership, the Deacons' Council will expand our Diocesan mission to new heights. Thus we urge all of our pastors to guide their deacons and encourage their participation in this God-pleasing undertaking."
The Deacon's Council is only 40 days old, yet in this short time (and in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic) it has made great headway in pursuing its goals. The Council has been building its resources and charting its direction. A newsletter called “Deacon’s Chant” was just published and is available on the Diocesan website or by email request. A general call has been issued to keep the Deacons and the ministry to which they are called, in your prayers. For more information and to offer your services for this program, you may write to Fr. Vazken Movsesian at fv@wdacna.com.
