The 38th Annual Assembly of the Armenian Diocese of Canada was held on May 27-28, 2022, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral of Montreal, hosted for the first time by the Diocese. His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate, presided over the Assembly. His Grace Bishop Ashot Mnatsakanyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Egypt, was invited to attend the Assembly and address the delegates. His Grace Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian, a member of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, honored the assembly with his presence.
On May 27, 2022, in the morning, a clergy meeting was held at the Diocesan Headquarters.
On this occasion, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians sent Pontifical blessings from the spiritual center for all Armenians – Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, to the entire flock of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church in Canada.
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, on behalf of the Government of Canada, extended greetings to the Assembly participants and expressed wishes of success.
At the Assembly, reports of the diocesan ministries – Women’s Guild Central Council (WGCC), the Children’s Fund For Armenia (CFFA), the Canadian Armenian Association of Performing Art (CAAPA), the Ararat Summer Youth Camp, as well as the reports of the Diocesan Council, Hay Ard Tun, Chancellery, and the Diocesan Endowment Fund, were discussed and resolutions were approved by the delegates. Representatives of parishes were able to share their thoughts concerning the church’s life.
On Saturday evening, May 28, a banquet was organized at the Centre Armenie in Laval, Quebec, under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate, in presence of Her Excellency Anahit Harutyunyan, Ambassador of Armenia to Canada, presided by Mr. & Mrs. Arden and Christine Dervishian, with the participation of clergymen, diocesan delegates, Cree Armenian representatives from Alberta, and numerous guests. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the CFFA, Bishop Abgar expressed his gratitude to the current and past member of the CFFA board. At the banquet, Arden Arapyan and Sasha Djihanian brilliantly interpreted pieces of Armenian musical heritage. A silent auction of paintings of Rose Nevart Tatossian and Tatossian family members was held to fundraise for the medical needs of young Armenian servicemen injured during the 44-days war in Artsakh.
Click here to read the message of the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
