On July 13-17, 2026, with the blessing of His Excellency Archbishop Kevork Noradounguian, the first-ever spiritual retreat days for catechists took place at the Armenian Catholic Ordinariate in Yerevan. The event was attended by 14 volunteer catechists from the Armenian Catholic communities of Armenia, Georgia, and Russia.

This spiritual retreat was organized within the framework of the catechist formation program, which was launched back in May 2023 in an online course format, as a core component of the Ordinariate’s comprehensive Evangelization program and strategy. Over the course of four years, participants in these online courses have attended lectures delivered by Armenian Catholic clergy and the Armenian Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, passed examinations, initiated and conducted catechetical classes in their local communities, organized summer day camps, and assisted pastors in their pastoral endeavors as lay volunteers.

Prior to the spiritual retreat, a working meeting was held on July 13. During this session, the participants reviewed the four-year progress of the catechist formation program, its achievements, ongoing challenges, and expectations, while proposing prospective solutions. The spiritual retreat officially opened with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, celebrated by His Excellency Archbishop Kevork Noradounguian and concelebrated by Fr. Hovsep Galstyan.

Key Components of the Retreat Agenda

-Daily celebration of the Holy Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and recitation of the Holy Rosary.

-Thematic Conferences:
“The Layperson: Christ’s Apostle and the Mission of Catechesis” – Fr. Hovsep Galstyan
“Personal Intimacy with Christ” – Very Rev. Fr. Anton Totonjyan
“Catechetical Work with Children: Vocation, Dedication, Love, and Methods” – H. E. Archbishop Kevork Noradounguian

-Divine Reading and Meditation (Lectio Divina):
Participants engaged with Gospel passages concerning the vocation of the Apostles (John 1:35-51, Luke 5:1-11, Luke 5:27-32), the sending out of the seventy-two disciples (Luke 10:1-20), the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), and John 20:24-29. Following this spiritual method, the participants silently meditated on the scripture verses, took notes on their personal understanding and what moved them most, and subsequently shared their reflections and feelings. This was followed by prayer and silent contemplation. This exercise serves as a unique source of spiritual enrichment, being filled with God’s graces, deeply cherished particularly within the Western monastic tradition.

-Educational Media: Screening and discussion of a documentary film about Saint Carlo Acutis. The film was translated into Armenian by catechist Maria Avetisyan, audio-dubbed by the studio of Radio Maria, and graciously provided by the management of the netforGod online video platform.

-Pilgrimage and Cultural Program

A central highlight of the retreat was a pilgrimage to Khor Virap, the holy sanctuary of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who is the patron saint of Armenian catechists and enlighteners. There, the participants recited a beautiful intercessory prayer addressed to the Illuminator, the Litany of St. Gregory, and various other prayers.

For evening rest and reflection, on July 15, the participants attended a performance of “Matsarut” (The Thicket) of the State Pantomime Theatre, directed by Yuri Kostanyan. The exceptional acting left a profound impression and provided an excellent opportunity for deeper spiritual introspection.

The retreat concluded on July 17 with a closing Q&A session with the Archbishop, who accompanied the catechists throughout these days with his paternal counsel and prayers.

Upcoming Strategic Actions

Within the framework of the catechetical development program, the following strategic steps are projected:
1.International Collaboration: In partnership with the Catechetical Institute of the Franciscan University of Steubenville (USA), the preparation of specialized online workshops and the integration of catechists into online courses.

2.Educational Materials: publication of a simplified religious education textbook tailored for children.

3.Standardized Frameworks: development of a general directory and guide for catechesis.

4.Media Production: preparation of additional catechetical videos and literature.

The program is generously sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the French charitable organization L’Œuvre d’Orient.

For more photos, please, visit the Facebook page of the Ordinariate.

Fr. Hovsep Galstyan
Chancellery of the Ordinariate of Catholic Armenians
July 17, 2026