Our Diaconate Candidates visit St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno

Courtesy of Deacon Mark Schultz, Assistant Director of Formation, Permanent Diaconate

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno hosted our 15 Diaconate Candidates of Diaconate Class #7. Deacon Matthew Jendian of St. Paul Armenian Church provided a tour of the sanctuary and the Haig Berberian Hall. Deacon Allan Jendian assisted and displayed the various vestments and vessels used in the services.

During formation, our diaconate candidates are exposed to various faith and ecumenical traditions. 

With the 15 Deacons in Formation, Deacon Matthew shared the origins of the Armenian Church, the conversion of King Drtad by St. Gregory the Enlightener and the construction of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Deacon Matthew also reviewed the different administrative jurisdictions of the Armenian Church today, the nine daily services, some aspects of the Holy Sacrifice/Divine Liturgy, iconography and basic floor plan, the impact of the genocide on the Armenian Church and ten main theological differences between the Eastern and Western Christian Churches.