‘Things cannot continue like this’ — Archbishop Hovnan Derderian on situation in Etchmiadzin

On June 29, at St. Ghevontiants Church in Burbank, many faithful gathered for a liturgy. They were expecting Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, to address the recent developments at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

When no public statement was made, the faithful expressed their frustration. Later, Archbishop Derderian approached a group of several dozen people gathered outside the church and informed them that he would be leaving for Holy Etchmiadzin on July 3. He added:

“Together, we will decide what to do; we are all concerned. Things cannot continue like this. With Christian faith, hope, love, and patience, we must restore peace and dialogue.”