The Armenian Diocese of Canada convened its 42nd Annual Diocesan Assembly from May 29 to 31, 2026, at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Hamilton. The parish was selected as the host of this year’s Assembly as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding, marking five decades of faithful service and witness within the Armenian community.
Presided over by His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate, the Assembly brought together clergy and lay delegates from parishes across the country to deliberate on matters concerning the spiritual, administrative, educational, and pastoral life of the Diocese.
The Assembly commenced with a clergy conference under the leadership of the Primate. Delegates also received the Pontifical blessings and paternal greetings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, conveyed from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
A highlight of the Assembly was a presentation by Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. Fr. Chevian provided a comprehensive overview of the Seminary’s mission, academic offerings, and leadership formation programs.
Throughout the gathering, delegates reviewed and discussed reports presented by the Diocesan Council, Chancellery, Endowment Fund, Camp Ararat, Ladies Guild, Children’s Fund for Armenia, Hayarttun, and other diocesan ministries and organizations. Parish delegates shared their accomplishments, concerns, and aspirations, contributing to meaningful discussions aimed at strengthening the mission and ministry of the Diocese throughout Canada.
During the Assembly, Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, Diocesan Vicar and Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Toronto, presented a landmark community development initiative that received the approval of the Delegates Assembly. The project envisions the construction of a comprehensive multi-purpose complex designed to serve the evolving needs of the Armenian community for generations to come.
The proposed development will include a Seniors’ Independent Living Residence, residential housing, a Community Barev Centre, a banquet hall, a daycare facility, and a gymnasium. Conceived as a transformative investment in the future of the community, the project aims to provide enhanced support and opportunities for seniors, children, youth, and families while strengthening Armenian faith, culture, identity, and community life.
During its deliberations, the Assembly unanimously reaffirmed its full and unconditional filial devotion and support to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and to His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The delegates expressed their unwavering solidarity with the spiritual center of the Armenian nation and its sacred mission in preserving the faith, unity, and identity of the Armenian people throughout the world.
The Assembly further expressed its profound concern regarding recent developments affecting the life of the Armenian Church and nation. It considered unacceptable the ongoing persecution and targeting of clergymen in Armenia, as well as actions and rhetoric that diminish, undermine, or seek to devalue the centuries-old spiritual, moral, cultural, and national values that have sustained the Armenian people through generations.
Furthermore, the Assembly condemned the so-called “Council for the Reform of the Armenian Apostolic Church,” regarding it as an illegitimate initiative contrary to the canonical order, sacred traditions, and ecclesiastical governance of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The delegates affirmed that any attempt by external forces to interfere in the internal life of the Church, undermine its hierarchical structure, or challenge its spiritual authority constitutes a threat to the unity, integrity, and independence of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Following the conclusion of the Assembly proceedings, a Blessing of the Trees service was held on the church grounds under the presidency of Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan. The ceremony served as a prayerful affirmation of Christian stewardship of creation and a reminder of the faithful’s responsibility to care for God’s gifts to humanity.
The Assembly concluded with a festive anniversary banquet attended by clergy, delegates, parishioners, and distinguished guests, with Mr. and Mrs. Garo Thomassian serving as Guests of Honour. During the evening, special recognition was given to the 30th anniversary of Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan’s ordination to the Holy Priesthood. In gratitude for his three decades of devoted pastoral ministry, spiritual leadership, and faithful service to the Armenian Church, a gift was presented to His Grace on behalf of the Diocesan Council and the parishes of the Armenian Diocese of Canada.
The 42nd Annual Diocesan Assembly once again demonstrated the vitality, unity, and enduring commitment of the Armenian Diocese of Canada to its sacred mission of proclaiming the Gospel, nurturing the faithful, and serving the Armenian community throughout the country.
Click here to read the 2025 Diocesan Yearbook
Click here to read the message of the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
