On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at noon, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church of Encino, and Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church of Orange County, presided over the Great Lent Luncheon organized by the Western Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary.
The luncheon took place at the Legacy Banquet Hall in the San Fernando Valley and was attended by more than 200 guests. Among those present were members of the Western Prelacy Executive Council, Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian and Mrs. Elo Boyajian, along with members of the Western Prelacy community, relatives, representatives of affiliated organizations, benefactors, donors, and guests.
This year’s luncheon was hosted by one of the Western Prelacy’s benefactors, Mrs. Nancy Bedirian. The program’s mistress of ceremonies was Mrs. Sossy Guekguezian, Vice-Chair of the Ladies Auxiliary. On behalf of the organizing body, opening remarks were delivered by Ladies Auxiliary member Mrs. Maral Keledjian, who welcomed the attendees and briefly highlighted the significance of this traditional event held under the auspices of the Western Prelacy. She then invited Archbishop Khacherian to bless the tables.
Archbishop Khacherian, together with the clergy, first sang the Sunrise Hymn (Arevakal). The Prelate then blessed the tables and the attendees, as well as the prayer bracelets prepared for the occasion, which were distributed as gifts to all those present.
In his remarks, the Prelate encouraged the Armenian women gathered in the hall to remain vigilant during these challenging times and to do their utmost to preserve the spiritual, ecclesiastical, national, and family traditions and values of the Armenian people. Archbishop Khacherian then invited Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian to deliver the message of the day.
Rev. Fr. Bedourian delivered his message in light of the 2026 proclamation of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, titled “The Renewal of Spiritual Life Within Our Homes.” He spoke about the importance of nurturing spiritual life within every Armenian Christian household and emphasized that a God pleasing life begins with strengthening faith and spirituality within the home. Rev. Fr. Bedourian also encouraged Armenian women, through their Christian example and charitable service, to play an active role in fostering and expanding spiritual life within Armenian families so that, under God’s protection, they may live in peace and happiness with their children and grandchildren.
The artistic portion of the luncheon was enriched by a musical performance by kanun player Ms. Nektar. Attendees enjoyed the meticulously organized Ladies Auxiliary luncheon, savoring a variety of delicious Lenten dishes in the beautifully decorated hall.
Earlier that morning, Archbishop Kegham Khacherian presided over the Sunrise (Arevakal) service and delivered a sermon at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale. In his Lenten reflections, the Prelate encouraged the Armenian mothers and sisters present at the service to remain faithful to the centuries old spiritual and national traditions of the Armenian people and to live righteous lives. Archbishop Khacherian concluded by offering his fatherly guidance and blessings to all devoted and community serving Armenian women.
