Born Hagop, 12/19/1954, Alexandria, Egypt
Rev. Fr. Stepanos Dingilian, Ph.D. (pen name 'Der Stepanos Dingilian'), is a parent, a pastor in the Armenian Apostolic Church, an educator, and a family counselor.
Since receiving his Ph.D. in Theology and Personality Development in 1996, from the School of Theology at Claremont, Dr. Der Stepanos has been striving to spiritually strengthen family and marital relationships. In addition to his practice, he has authored a book, A Spiritual Journey Through The Holy Badarak, that helps persons and families better understand the ways in which the Church services enrich the life of the faithful. In addition he publishes a quarterly periodical entitled 'Hope for the Family.' He has also established a website at 'www. hopeforfamily.org.' Both, the periodical and the website, address the contemporary spiritual issues faced by persons and families.
Dr. Dingilian also has a Masters of Arts Degree in Pastoral Counseling (from the School of Theology at Claremont), and a Masters of Divinity (from St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary). In addition to his clinical training as a counselor, he has conducted the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital and New York Hospital, both in New York City.
After the 1988 devastating earthquake in Armenia, Dr. Der Stepanos had the opportunity to participate in the healing process by traveling to Armenia. For two years, he participated in the counseling process for families in the earthquake stricken areas. In addition, during his stay, he taught at the Seminary of Holy Etchmiadsin and trained Sunday School teachers in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan.
Prior to embarking on his calling in ministry, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Ohio State University in 1975. For the next twelve years he held engineering and management positions in companies such as the Procter & Gamble Company, and industries such as the Aerospace and Automotive. Eventually, he established his own Engineering Consulting firm.
Currently, Dr. Der Stepanos and his wife, Yeretzgeen Mariam, live in Irvine, California. Yeretzgeen Mariam is a teacher especially trained in child psychology, with emphasis for applications in the field of linguistics. They have two daughters, Kayane and Armine, who bring joy, laughter, and God's blessings to their life. Generally speaking, the family travels together for camp presentations, retreats, and workshops.