On Tuesday, February 13, 2023, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, presided over the annual clergy conference which took place at St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale. The conference was marked by prayer, lectures, discussion of various issues and development of immediate programs to combat the challenges our parishes are facing. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian was elected as the Chair of the conference and Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian as Secretary.
In his welcome speech, the Prelate referred to the visible challenges in the current life of the nation and delivered his reflection, through which he inspired the clergy to further their spiritual service to our faithful.
During the first lecture, Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale reflected upon the importance of the Bible in general, and the importance of it within the life of a Christian in particular. He emphasized the importance of getting to know the Bible and presented the different understandings, original translations and interpretations of the writings found within.
The second lecture was delivered by Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Church in Las Vegas. He spoke upon the importance of using social media in the life of the Church, focusing on the methods on how to get across to the faithful, especially the youth.
Pursuing the lectures, various topics were discussed related to the Sunday schools, deacons, bible studies, social outreach programs, “Naregatsi” educational program, “Giligia” periodical and the Western Prelacy TV program.
The second portion of the conference focused on the schedules of upcoming holidays and ceremonies, which was followed by the clergy reporting on their various church, experiences and concerns.
It should be noted that on the same evening, Bishop Donoyan presided over the pre-feast celebration of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple (Dyarnentaratch,) at St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale. The clergy of the Western Prelacy participated during the ceremony, which was attended by H.M.E.M scouts and the faithful. Following the ceremony, in commemoration of the feast, parents presented their children to the Holy Altar. The traditional bonfire was lit in the church courtyard, the flames of which were mixed with the sweet sounds of church hymns and national songs sung by the faithful.
Thereafter, the Prelate led the H.M.E.M scouts and clergy to the traditional dinner which took place inside the Church hall.
