Western Diocese Launches Church Leadership Orientation Program

BURBANK, CA—The Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, under the leadership of the Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, has launched a Church Leadership Orientation Program for its more than one thousand local parish and diocesan leaders.

The program is designed to inspire and empower parish council members, diocesan delegates, parish and diocesan committee members, Sunday and Saturday schools staff members, altar servers, and others serving in leadership positions throughout the Western Diocese.  This new program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the Church’s Faith, spiritual mission, rich traditions, cultural heritage and governance.

“We want to make sure that the church leaders serving in our Diocese are well-prepared to meet the challenges of our times and to respond to the needs of our communities,” said the Primate Archbishop Hovnan. “It is critical that we equip them with a deeper appreciation of the Church’s mission, enhance their knowledge and faith-driven leadership,” underlined the Primate.

The program provides essential training on the tenants of Christianity, the Armenian heritage, parish governance, management, and community engagement.

“The initial six sessions are designed to provide valuable insights into the historical, theological, doctrinal, liturgical, administrative, and practical community management aspects of the Armenian Apostolic Church,” explained Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, Director of Institutional Innovation of the Western Diocese and curator of the program.

The first session was held virtually on Saturday, February 22. The program “faculty” includes leading scholars, experts and professionals.

The Church Leadership Orientation Program underscores the Western Diocese’s commitment to fostering informed and engaged leadership.

“This program is one of the elements of a renewed vision of the Western Diocese to empower local parish and diocesan leaders to serve their communities more effectively and to ensure the continued growth and spiritual vitality of the Armenian Apostolic Church,” explained Dr. Tchilingirian.

In July 2024, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in North America launched a visionary long-term Institutional Innovation initiative, with the ultimate aim of making Christian faith and Armenian culture living experience for communities in the Western United States.