On Wednesday morning, February 18, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over the first Sunrise Service of Great Lent at Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Encino, and delivered a sermon to the faithful in attendance.
In his sermon, Archbishop Khacherian noted, “The Great Lent is the most important season in Christian life, as it invites mankind to forty days of reflection, an opportunity to examine one’s life, renew one’s focus, and to rediscover its true purpose, so that with a purified soul, we may celebrate the great Feast of the Resurrection, as a triumph over death, just as Jesus Christ revealed to us through His earthly life.”
Among those present at the Sunrise Service were faithful members of the community and the twelfth-grade students of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian High School.
Following the service, Archbishop Khacherian presided over the traditional Lenten luncheon organized by the Anahid Chapter of the Armenian Relief Society. Accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, pastor of the church, the Prelate offered a blessing over the tables and those in attendance. During the luncheon, Archbishop Khacherian expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the devoted women of the Armenian Relief Society and acknowledged the organization’s meaningful and wide-ranging service and contributions to the Armenian nation and homeland.
