In early September, Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan paid a visit to the Western Diocese and its headquarters at the St. Leon Cathedral complex in Burbank, CA.
He held meetings with Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, on matters pertaining to their respective dioceses, opportunities for collaboration, and the mission of St. Nersess Seminary.
The two church leaders also focused on the importance of promoting Christian education among the faithful. Bishop Daniel spoke about the Eastern Diocese’s “Building Up the Body of Christ” vision, which seeks to focus the church’s work on the presence of Jesus Christ, and to reclaim the Armenian Church’s distinctive experiences of prayer and faithful observance in everyday life.
“We spent considerable time discussing challenges related to the Armenian Church’s mission in the U.S.,” said Bishop Daniel. “Christian churches in general are facing mounting pressure from growing secularism, and the general abandonment of Sunday as a day devoted to worship,” he explained.
At a reception in Bishop Daniel’s honor on September 2, Archbishop Derderian was joined by his Diocesan Council chair Derik Ghookasian, clergy, and other leaders of the Western Diocese in the complex’s elegant Hampar Family Room.
In remarks on that occasion, Archbishop Derderian warmly expressed his gratitude to his Brother in Christ, wishing him continued success in his pastoral leadership and ministry.
“It was a great pleasure and consolation to spend time face-to-face with Hovnan Srpazan, who is the distinguished senior Primate of the Armenian Church in North America,” said Bishop Daniel upon his return from California. “I am deeply grateful for his gracious hospitality, friendship, and leadership of our church.”