On Saturday, May 30, 2026, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, the 53rd Session of the National Representatives Assembly of the Western Prelacy convened at the Toulumjian Gymnasium of the new campus of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School in Encino. The Assembly was held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and was graciously hosted by the Board of Trustees of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church.
The Assembly convened in two sessions and was attended by 44 delegates representing the parish communities of the Western Prelacy, as well as parish Board of Trustees chairpersons, the Chairperson and members of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, school principals, and a representative of the Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools (CASPS).
The Assembly opened with a prayer offered by Archbishop Khacherian, who, in his official remarks, welcomed the members of the Religious Council, the Executive Council, and the representatives of the parish communities. The Prelate emphasized that the gathering was a vision-oriented assembly intended to review the annual spiritual, administrative, and pastoral activities of the Prelate, the Executive Council, and the Religious Council, while also identifying and outlining the Western Prelacy’s future priorities and initiatives.
Following the confirmation of attendance and the establishment of a quorum, the Assembly listened to the Pontifical Message of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I addressed to the gathering. The delegates then elected the permanent officers of the Assembly, selecting Mr. Hagop Yedalian as Chairman and Rev. Fr. Barkev Balkevorkian as Secretary.
The delegates approved the agenda and proceeded to address each item thoroughly. Following discussions of the annual spiritual, administrative, and financial activities of the Prelate, the Executive Council, and the Religious Council, together with comprehensive responses to questions and clarifications presented during the assembly, the delegates unanimously adopted the Resolutions Committee’s evaluation of the work of the Western Prelacy as “highly commendable.” This assessment reflected the extensive efforts of Archbishop Khacherian and the current leadership of the Western Prelacy, as well as the significant progress achieved throughout the Prelacy, particularly in the areas of church life, education, construction, humanitarian outreach, youth formation, and social services.
Special recognition was given to the exemplary organization and spirit of service demonstrated by the Joint Assembly and the Armenian community of California during the Sixth Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The Assembly also highlighted the generosity and dedication of the benefactors of the Western Prelacy, whose support has been instrumental in meeting community needs and ensuring the success of the Prelacy’s programs and initiatives. Particular mention was made of the many achievements and new developments within church and educational life, recent property acquisitions and expansions, and the numerous awards and distinctions earned by the Western Prelacy Armenian Schools.
In this regard, the delegates and representatives of the affiliated bodies of the Western Prelacy expressed their appreciation and offered a standing ovation to Archbishop Khacherian, the Executive Council, and its distinguished Chairman, Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian.
The Assembly also carefully examined the challenges facing the Western Prelacy and its affiliated bodies, including the revitalization of church and educational fields, the expansion and more effective coordination of Armenian language instruction, and the preparation of a new generation of young leaders and volunteers dedicated to strengthening Armenian religious, educational, and national life.
During discussions concerning future initiatives, delegates offered a number of constructive proposals, including the preparation of Armenian-speaking and English-speaking young clergy, the development of programs to train Armenian-language educators for the teaching of Armenian Studies, and the continued strengthening of both traditional and newly established Christian and national programs through professional and forward-looking approaches. The delegates further recommended, where appropriate, the involvement of qualified specialists to ensure the development of capable leadership and manpower, resulting in meaningful, effective, and sustainable outcomes.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Khacherian expressed his appreciation to the members of the Executive Council and Religious Council, the clergy and leaders of the parish communities, the delegates in attendance, and the staff of the Western Prelacy. The Prelate also commended the active participation, dedication, and church-centered spirit demonstrated by the faithful of the Western Prelacy, noting that the Western Prelacy, unique in its character and accomplishments, possesses tremendous potential and continues to have an important role to play in advancing the mission of the Armenian Church and the prosperity of Armenian national and communal life.
Offering his prayers and best wishes for continued success, Archbishop Khacherian concluded the 53rd Session of the National Representatives Assembly with his fatherly blessing.
