On the morning of Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated in all churches of the Western Prelacy. H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale. The celebrant of the Divine Liturgy was the Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian.
Following the Divine Liturgy, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian, joined by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Churuch in Encino, and Rev. Fr. Ashod Khachadourian of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno, attended the annual Ascension Day luncheon hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Western Prelacy. This year’s luncheon, attended by 150 guests, took place at Vertigo banquet hall and was graciously sponsored by Mrs. Aline Tchaghlassian. Executive Council member Mrs. Zovig Zetlian was also present at the luncheon.
After the blessing of the tables, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian commended the Ladies Auxiliary for organizing the traditional annual luncheon with care and dedication. The Prelate also praised the members of the Ladies Auxiliary for their continued commitment to the Prelacy’s charitable initiatives.
In his remarks, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian reflected on the spiritual and national significance of the Feast of the Ascension. The Prelate emphasized the importance of preserving Armenian traditions, recognizing the vital role Armenian women, particularly mothers, play in preserving and passing down these traditions, and expressed his deep appreciation to the Armenian women who continue to keep these traditions alive in their homes and in the broader community.
The Prelate also offered words of appreciation to the host of the luncheon Mrs. Aline Tchaghlassian, honoring her integrity and generosity as a woman of faith, a dedicated mother, and a devoted supporter of the Armenian Church. The Prelate presented Mrs. Tchaghlassian with a custom engraved flower vase recognizing her admirable qualities and unwavering support. The Ladies Auxiliary also presented Mrs. Tchaghlassian a vibrant bouquet of flowers.
Speaking on behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary, Ms. Sossie Geukeuzian, Vice-Chairlady, welcomed the guests and shared the group’s commitment to its mission to organize similar annual events with meticulous care and love. Ms. Geukeuzian thanked all attendees and volunteers for their contributions and support and reflected on the importance of such initiatives in preserving our Armenian identity throughout the Diaspora.
The luncheon program also included a special presentation led by Mrs. Gassia Mehseredjian, theater teacher and cultural program coordinator at Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Hollywood. Mrs. Mehseredjian spoke about the national and cultural importance of the Feast of the Ascension, then brought that message to life through a performance featuring a group of sixth-grade students. The students’ performance was warmly received and praised by the attendees of the luncheon. In recognition of her contribution, the organizing committee of the luncheon presented Mrs. Gassia Mehseredjian with a commemorative gift.
Renowned singer Mr. Hovhannes Balyan enriched the atmosphere with traditional Armenian songs, while the women, sisters, and mothers in attendance joined in with joyful singing. Many also made generous contributions to support the mission of the Western Prelacy. The luncheon concluded with a sense of warmth and shared purpose, and many attendees expressed their eagerness to reunite at next year’s luncheon.
