H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian Presides Over The Devine Liturgy,
Delivers A Sermon, And Blesses The Madagh In Celebration Of The Name Day
Of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church Of Las Vegas
From January 17-19, 2025, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, took a three-day visit to the Las Vegas community. On Sunday morning, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, delivered a heartfelt sermon, and performed the Blessing of the Madagh in celebration of the church’s name day. The Divine Liturgy was attended by faithful parishioners and the church community. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Barkev Balkevorkian, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church.
During the Divine Liturgy, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian delivered a sermon expressing his joy at the opportunity to once again visit the Las Vegas community in celebration of the name-day of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic church. The Prelate congratulated the parishioners and the Armenian community of Las Vegas for their unwavering dedication to strengthening their spiritual home and for their efforts toward the growth and prosperity of Armenian communal life.
In his sermon, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian highlighted the profound role of John the Baptist in God’s plan of salvation. The Prelate explained that John the Baptist performed baptisms in the Jordan River while emphasizing to the people that he was not Christ, but rather the one paving the way for Christ who would come after him, and with his Holy Spirit baptize all those who believed in Him.
Reflecting on this biblical narrative, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian noted that John the Baptist, despite being a prominent and revered figure of his time with a vast following, never allowed his popularity to lead to arrogance or pride. Instead, he remained humble, fully aware of his role in God’s Divine plan, preparing and directing his followers towards Jesus Christ, whom he recognized as far greater than himself.
Drawing inspiration from John the Baptist’s humility and devotion, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian encouraged the faithful parishioners, saying, “Let us follow the example of John the Baptist by recognizing and embracing Christ’s truth, and understanding our purpose in this life. May we recognize our limitations, live and act in the name of the truth, and guide those around us toward Jesus Christ.”
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian further emphasized the importance of guiding the younger Armenian generation along the path of God, nurturing their faith, love, and devotion to the Armenian Church from an early age so that throughout their lives they may walk toward a life of truth, and in the path opened by Christ.
Following the sermon, young members of the Homenetmen scouts, who are also students at the ARS Verjine Koujakian Saturday School of Las Vegas, recited the Lord’s Prayer. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Khacherian conducted the Blessing of the Madagh. The Prelate expressed gratitude to the sponsors of the Madagh, Mr. and Mrs. Adour and Arshalouys Aghjayan, and their son, Nareg, as well as the parishioners, dedicated volunteers, and the Church’s youth, offering his fatherly blessings and well wishes to all in attendance.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Khacherian presided over a luncheon organized in his honor and held a productive working meeting with the newly elected Board of Trustees. During the meeting, he commended the contributions of Adroushan Armenian, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, particularly his efforts to inspire and guide young members of the Board of Trustees to assume leadership roles within the Armenian Church and the community.
Filled with optimism, the Prelate encouraged the collaboration and unified spirit of experienced and young members, extended his blessings for bright and prosperous days ahead for the Las Vegas Armenian community, and congratulated all those bearing the name Ohannes and Garabed.
VISIT TO VERJINE KOUJAKIAN SATURDAY SCHOOL OF LAS VEGAS
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, Archbishop Khacherian, accompanied by the pastor and Board of Trustees members, visited the ARS Verjine Koujakian Saturday School of Las Vegas. During his visit, the Prelate met with the school’s administrators, teachers, and parents, expressing deep appreciation for their selfless dedication. Following the meeting the Prelate toured the school’s facilities, engaging in warm and meaningful discussions with the students.
Archbishop Khacherian also offered his fatherly blessings, wishing strength and perseverance to the school’s administrators, educators, the Armenian families of the community, their children, and the Saturday School students and their parents, encouraging unity and growth in every corner of the community, where the Armenian presence shines as a beacon of light.
Later that evening, Archbishop Khacherian, attended a dinner with members of the community, fostering close bonds. The Prelate, with his fatherly presence, also oversaw the preparation of the Madagh (harissa), which was blessed and distributed to the faithful parishioners following Sunday’s Divine Liturgy.
