90 Years Of Service And Commitment

The year 2017 is significant as it marks the 90^th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. With a grandiose celebration planned, we hereby dedicate 2017 as the Year of Stewardship.

The Eastern and Western Diocese of the Armenian Church were formally established in 1898 by the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Mkrtich I (Khrimian Hayrig). Both Dioceses operated as one institution until 1927, the year when the Western Diocese began carry out its mission as a separate entity. From that year forth, former Primates Bishop Karekin Khachadourian, Bishop Mampre Kalfayan, Bishop Shnork Kaloustian, Bishop Papken Varjabedian, Bishop Torkom Manoogian, Bishop Yeghishe Simonian and Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian along with their respective Diocesan Councils and dedicated faithful continued to strengthen the Western Diocese and to remain loyal to the God-pleasing mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church. In the great mural of nine decades, we see the committed leadership of all Diocesan Primates and clergy as well as the unwavering loyalty of the Diocesan faithful.

We are all preparing for the 90^th anniversary celebration with tremendous excitement in order that we may serve selflessly for the glory of God and the prosperity of the Armenian Church. Let our stewardship become evident in our service. Let our noble endeavors contribute to the livelihood of our Diocesan structure in order that the noble institution may become the stronghold of future generations of young Armenian-Americans. Our hearts are enrooted in the Church. We are the Church with our presence and our service. 

Prayerfully,

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

Primate