CLERGY DISCUSS PASTORAL LIFE IN CONFERENCE PRIOR TO ASSEMBLY

His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, presided over the Eastern Prelacy Clergy Conference on Wednesday, May 11 at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia, during which they also voted for delegates to complete the representation of the body at the National Representative Assembly starting the following day. On this opportunity they also discussed their experience in the pastoral life.  

Following an opening prayer by the Prelate and lunch, Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, Pastor of the host church, delivered a welcome address. With the meeting called to order, Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian was elected its chair and Rev. Fr. Taniel Manjikian, secretary.   

The Prelate saluted the clergy, congratulating them for the work they carry out in the communities and wished them a productive participation in the Assembly deliberations in the following days. He then invited Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian, Vicar, to read His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s message to the conference.  

Meeting participants also enjoyed a presentation by Lisa Misakian on the Armenian community of Whitinsville, during which she also presented the website she has built on this project and answering questions from the audience.   

After a break, Rev. Fr. Vahan Kouyoumdjian coordinated a presentation on “Pastoral Care in the Covid Era” with the participation of Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian and Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian. After the presentation, the clergy divided into three study groups, prior to submitting their report.   

The clergy then proceeded to vote for six delegates for the Assembly to complete the roster of eleven clergy delegates. It elected Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian; Rev. Fr. Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian; Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian; Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian; Rev. Fr. Torkom Chorbajian, and Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian. A review of the minutes followed the voting, at the conclusion of which the clergy exchanged stories about their pastoral experience and religious life. The meeting was ended with a thank you speech by Very Rev. Fr. Boghos as conference chair.   

The day concluded with a Vespers service and spiritual reflections offered by Fr. Boghos.