On June 6th, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Brotherhood held its Fifth Clergy Conference attended by 81 celibate priests from Armenia and the Diaspora, as well as representatives from the Great House of Cilicia and the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople.  Following the opening prayer, the organizing committee chairman, Very Reverend Fr. Nareg Berberian of St. David Armenian Church in Boca Raton, Florida, began the conference emphasizing the value of having the clergy assemble every other year to benefit all the clergy who are serving in the different Dioceses around the world.  Fr. Nareg Berberian stressed the importance of remaining faithful to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and to His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, as well as working in unity and sharing our brotherly love toward each other.   On behalf of the Brotherhood, Fr. Nareg Berberian expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for his fraternal care.

Fr. Aren Jebejian, Fr. Nareg Berberian, Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, His Holiness Karekin II, Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, Fr. Simeon Odabashian, and Fr. Taniel Findilian

Then His Holiness delivered his message and gave his blessing in appreciation of their ministry of service.  His Holiness stressed the presence of all the clergy here strengthens and optimistically inspires the church for future generations.  His Holiness reminded them that they not only stay connected with their fellow brothers, but also, as brothers in Christ to focus and reflect on their ministry and its role in the life of the church.  His Holiness advised them to continue zealously to build up the glory of the Armenian Church with the Christ and our fathers as their spiritual leaders.   At the end of his message, His Holiness wished they would stay firm in their vocation and accomplish more in keeping the faith of our people strong as they serve in the vineyard of our Lord. 

The subject matter of the conference was how the clergy can spread the teachings of the church through social media.  The speaker of this theme was Artur Petrossyan, Director of Communication of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church.  Following the PowerPoint presentation, the clergy were divided into four groups to discuss how they can enhance communication between the community and the pastor through the use of the internet, as well as how they can offer spiritual messages to their flock through the same media.

There was one day set aside for missionary outreach in the region of Armavir.  More than 120 clergy were dispersed into the different towns and villages to visit families, bless their homes, and visit schools, hospitals and youth centers.  On Saturday evening, around midnight, in the Mother See Cathedral, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated and members of the Brotherhood renewed their vocation to serve our Lord and returned back to their parishes with renewed inspiration.