On Saturday, September 16, 2023, under the auspices of H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, a conference was held with deacons of the Western Prelacy. The conference was organized by the Religious Council of the Western Prelacy and chaired by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale. H.E. Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian was also present at the conference, who shared valuable examples from his spiritual and administrative experiences and made recommendations to the participants.
Western Prelacy deacons from Los Angeles County participated in the conference in-person, while those deacons from distant counties participated virtually.
Very Rev. Fr. Sarkissian delivered the opening remarks, which was followed by two lectures. The first lecturer was Ms. Shaghig Kandaharian-Khoudaverdian, who presented her lecture virtually from Lebanon, and the second lecturer was Ms. Nora Chitilian.
Ms. Koudaversian and Ms. Chitilian during their lectures discussed the formation of one’s identity, community life, the importance of adopting a value system, forms of effective communication and other characteristics of human society.
The conference ended at 1pm, and the participating deacons enjoyed a social hour at the Western Prelacy.
