Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, head of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, has decided to participate in the upcoming Episcopal Assembly in Austria. The announcement was made by the Diocese’s official press office, according to Aysor.am.

“At the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, will attend the Episcopal Assembly in St. Pölten, Austria, from February 16–19.

Following that, His Eminence will also take part in the Supreme Spiritual Council sessions to be held in the same city on February 20–21,” the statement reads.

Ten high-ranking clergy members who had previously demanded the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II and aligned themselves with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, earning the moniker “traitorous bishops”, had earlier announced they would not attend the Episcopal Assembly in Austria.