Diocesan Women's Guilds gathered for 21st Annual Assembly on Friday, May 28, 2010 in Hamilton, Ontario.  This year, the Assembly was hosted by St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church under the auspices of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate. Women’s Guild Central Council and Delegates of the Diocesan Women's Guilds were registered at the church where the meeting took place.

The opening prayer was offered by Rev. Father Arch. Zareh Zargarian at 3:45 pm, led by Diocesan Council Liaison, Mrs. Apet Alpay.  On behalf of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Hamilton, Mrs. Lida Alexanian welcomed everyone at the meeting.  A letter of blessing and commendation of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, to the 21^st Annual Women's Guild Assembly was read in its entirety by Rev. Fr. Zareh Zargarian.  Following the Pontifical Message, Bishop Bagrat addressed the attendees:

Dear Ladies, Sisters,
I would like to greet you all with a heart full of love and gratitude.  What I have continuously seen is your dedication, hard work and unselfish service for our church and the community.

The Primate spoke about the importance and roll of Armenian women in our culture and history, and stressed out the necessity of forming Women’s Guilds in all parishes and their active involvement in the life of the church.

This year, the Women’s Guild meeting brought together 14 Delegates from throughout the Diocese to discuss the issues of the Women’s Guild committee, to review 2009 activities and events, summarize their Guilds’ accomplishments of the past year and find new ways to attract a younger generation of Armenian women to the Guild.

Mrs. Silva Mermer, Chair of Women’s Guild Central Council, presented the prepared 2009-2010 Annual Report and expressed her gratitude to the Primate and Parish Priests for their co-operation and spiritual guidance.  Mrs. Anita Ohanessian, Treasurer of Women’s Guild Central Council, presented the financial report.  The Delegates accepted the 2010 budget.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Bishop Bagrat commended the members of the Women’s Guilds for their untiring enthusiasm and dedication to the Armenian Church.  He also thanked the Parish Priests for supporting and encouraging the Women’s Guilds in each of their Parishes.  A group photo with Bishop Bagrat was taken in the sunshine in front of the church building.

Afterwards, a delicious dinner buffet featuring traditional Armenian dishes, prepared by the ladies of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Hamilton was enjoyed by all Delegates and Clergy.