Western Diocese

With great spiritual joy, and with sincere thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, we announce the ordination and consecration to the Priesthood of Dn. Vahe Abovian and Dn. Mayis Shahbazyan following their graduation from the Claremont School of Theology on May 17, 2008.  The ordination and consecration will take place on May 29, 2008, at St. John Armenian Church in Hollywood.

Deacons Vahe Abovian and Mayis Shahbazyan both graduated with the Master of Divinity degree from the Claremont School of Theology. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate; Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General; Dr. Vahram Biricik, Chair of the Stewardship Committee; and Dn. Arsen Hairapetyan attended the graduation ceremony at the Claremont School of Theology on the morning of Saturday, May 17, 2008.

Upon the conclusion of the graduation ceremony, the Primate and the accompanying group from the Diocese met with the school officials, professors and instructors.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will conduct the sacrament of ordination to the Holy Priesthood according to the rites of the Armenian Church on May 29, 2008, at St. John Armenian Church in Hollywood. The newly ordained priests will spend 40 days in seclusion, during which time they will be fasting, praying and preparing for their ministry. Upon the completion of the 40 days of seclusion they will begin their service at the Diocese.