Reclaim Conference | Ancient Spirituality Meets Modern Creativity
Epostle Celebrates 10 Years of Reclaim Conference, Highlighting Armenian Monastic Tradition and Creative Innovation
Yettem, CA – March 21, 2026: Epostle.net, the collaborative initiative of artist Gregory Beylerian and Father Vazken Movsesian, marked a milestone with the 10th annual Reclaim Conference, “Reclaiming Monasticism,” held March 6–8 at St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem, California. epostle.Net is rooted in over 30 years of friendship and creative partnership, reflects the unique synergy of spiritual devotion and artistic expression, bridging the Armenian spiritual tradition with modern creativity.
As creative director of Epostle.net, Beylerian has played a central role in developing the platform’s educational, outreach, and heritage preservation initiatives. Recognized by the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, Epostle serves as a hub for sharing the original Christian teachings preserved by Armenian monastic communities, the first nation to adopt Christianity. Through his studio, Beylerian brings innovative approaches to technology and media, complementing Father Vazken’s spiritual guidance and leadership, providing creative solutions on personal, community, and societal levels.
The Reclaim Conference, now a cornerstone of Epostle’s annual activities, offers a retreat-like experience over three days. This year’s event invited participants to explore how monastic wisdom can guide daily Christian life. Speakers included Fr. Vazken Movsesian, Fr. Avedis Abovian, Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, Fr. Mesrob Ash, Gregory Beylerian, and David Menedian. Presentations explored themes such as reclaiming faith, finding sacred silence in a noisy world, and cultivating spiritual discipline through everyday practices.
Beylerian Studio recorded a 360° immersive video with binaural sound of the Sunday prayer “Lord Have Mercy” during the conference, capturing the sacred Armenian chant as it has been preserved for centuries. The immersive video represents heritage preservation in present action, demonstrating how modern technology can be used creatively to document and share ancient spiritual practices. The recording invites viewers to experience the prayer meditatively, engaging with its tones, breath, and resonance even without understanding the language.
Epostle also released at Reclaim its 2025 Year in Review magazine, highlighting a year of accomplishments in heritage preservation, outreach, and education projects. The publication offers insights into how challenges are met with creative, heart-centered solutions.
The conference included the traditional Agape meal and handwashing service, fostering fellowship among participants. In a special gesture, Chuck Simonian, designer of the Yettem Cross, presented miniature versions of the cross to Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Bishop Daniel Findikyan, and Father Vazken, honoring the enduring significance of the site within the Armenian community.
Reflecting on the event, Father Vazken announced a $100,000 matching fund established by philanthropist Jim Kaplan to support Epostle’s mission, doubling the impact of future contributions. The conference concluded with the Divine Liturgy, led by Bishop Daniel Findikyan, bringing the community together in prayer and celebration.
Epostle continues to serve as a bridge between ancient spiritual practices and modern creative expression, inspiring education, awareness, and community engagement.
