The Diocese
Posted: 10/03/2025
The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America joyfully marked the 60th anniversary of Hye Camp with a series of deeply meaningful celebrations dedicated to the blessed memory of Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian. The milestone weekend brought together generations of camp alumni, clergy, and faithful to honor the legacy of an impactful program that has shaped the spiritual and cultural lives of thousands of Armenian youth since its founding in 1964.
The festivities began on Friday, September 26, 2025, with a lively campfire gathering hosted by the Mgrublian family at their residence. Echoing the long-cherished camp tradition, the event welcomed over 360 alumni from across the decades, offering an atmosphere filled with warmth, fellowship, and live entertainment. In his heartfelt remarks, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian reflected on the camp’s enduring mission to cultivate friendships, preserve the Armenian Christian identity, and inspire a lifetime of memories rooted in faith and culture.
The following day, the celebrations continued with an evening prayer service held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena. Modeled after the familiar camp chapel service, the prayer gathering embraced the spirit of unity and reverence that has long defined Hye Camp. A requiem service was then offered in remembrance of the late Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, as well as camp contributors, clergy, benefactors, counselors, staff, and alumni, beseeching Christ to grant them eternal rest in His heavenly kingdom.
The 60th anniversary reached its peak with a sold-out gala banquet on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Geragos Hall of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, attended by more than 420 guests. Gala Co-Chairs Steve Hampar and Asbed Tatoulian warmly welcomed attendees, while Mark Geragos and Lory Tatoulian served as engaging emcees. The evening opened with a prayer and reflections by Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, who spoke movingly about the camp’s profound influence in his own life. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Nersess Armenian Theological Seminary in New York, delivered the invocation at the invitation of the pastor of the host parish. Western Diocese Camp Board Executive Director Lauren Diramerian highlighted ongoing and future projects, underscoring the camp’s continued vitality.
The banquet featured a stirring tribute delivered by 60th Anniversary Gala Co-Chair Vartan Hovsepian, in honor of his uncle, Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian—a visionary leader who secured the camp’s permanent home in Dunlap, California, in 1987. Entertainment by the Hagopian Family Band and Harry “Elvis” Shahoian enlivened the evening, while formal commemoration speeches were offered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian, former Camp Committee Chair, and Diocesan Council Chair Derik Ghookasian. In one of the night’s most moving moments, eleven clergymen joined voices in performing Archbishop Hovsepian’s favorite hymn, “Lerner Hayreni.” The banquet concluded with the benediction and closing prayer of Archbishop Derderian, leaving participants with a spirit of gratitude and renewed commitment to the camp’s mission.
The much anticipated and highly successful 60th anniversary celebration would not have been possible without the organizational prowess, steadfast dedication and unwavering support of the 60th Anniversary Gala Committee, the Summer Camp Board, Committee, Program staff, donors and friends. Your commitment to the prosperity of Summer Camp means the world to the Western Diocese.
Founded in 1964 by Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the Armenian Church Summer Camp Program has been a cornerstone of the Western Diocese for six decades. Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian’s vision and leadership led to the establishment of the Dunlap property in 1986, and in 2013, Archbishop Derderian dedicated the campgrounds in his honor, officially naming them the “Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Campgrounds.” Over the years, Hye Camp has nurtured the faith of thousands, inspiring vocations to the priesthood, strengthening families, and even uniting couples who first met within its embrace.
The 60th anniversary celebration not only honored the past but also reaffirmed the camp’s enduring legacy—a living testimony to the power of faith, fellowship, and heritage in the life of the Armenian people.
