CLERGY CONFERENCE OF
THREE NORTH AMERICA PRELACIES
TAKES PLACE IN CALIFORNIA

NEW YORK, NY—The annual Sts. Ghevontiantz commemoration, which precedes the Feast of Vartanantz, has become a time of renewal, edification, and reflection for the Armenian Clergy. Each year they gather together to learn and to pray in an atmosphere marked with brotherhood and fellowship.

Continuing a tradition that was inaugurated several years ago, the 2007 clergy conference was a joint gathering of the Eastern and Western Prelacies of the United States, and the Prelacy of Canada. The three-day conference was hosted by the Western Prelacy from February 12 to 14, under the auspices of Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy; Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy; and Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of Canada.

The clergy of the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Prelacies at their joint Ghevontiantz conference which took place at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County, California.
The main topic of discussion was the many challenges facing the Armenian Church and Clergy in the Western world in the 21st century and the general theme of “The Zeal of Clergy.” The conference convened in Ghazarian Hall, adjacent to Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County, with the reading of the letter of blessing from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. Following the welcoming remarks by the host parish priest and board of trustees’ representative, the three Prelates offered their remarks and encouragement to the participants.

The meeting began with V. Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian being elected as Chair and Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian as Secretary. Over the three-day period, pastoral and spiritual concerns were discussed, as well as issues relating to Christian education. Among the items on the agenda were discussions of topics raised at the Youth Gathering with Catholicos Aram which took place in December. Morning and evening church services were an important part of the gathering.

On Monday evening, the eve of the Feast of St. Ghevont, Holy Mass was conducted at Forty Martyrs Church by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy. Requiem service was offered for the souls of the departed clergy who served the three Prelacies. Among those in attendance were guest clergy members, including Father Johanna Ibrahim of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and Father John Monestera of the Catholic Church, and Mrs. Irma Contrera, secretary of the Catholic Church.

On Tuesday morning, students from the Ari Guiragos Minassian School attended morning church services and later had the opportunity to be photographed with the clergy members. In the evening, the eve of the Presentation of the Lord to the Temple, services took place at St. Mary Church in Glendale, with the three prelates presiding. Archbishop Khajag Hagopian delivered the sermon. Homenetmen scouts also participated. Following the service, the Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild hosted a reception.

On Wednesday morning, the clergymen visited the new Prelacy building where morning services took place at the Sts. Dertad and Ashkhen Chapel, followed by a visit to the Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School where the students presented a special assembly devoted to Vartanantz.

The conference, which offered the participants the chance to renew their spiritual responsibilities and their will to serve our faithful, concluded on Wednesday afternoon and the clergy prepared to return to their respective communities.