On Sunday, August 2, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Montebello and delivered the sermon of the day. Among the faithful in attendance was Mr. Jack Hadjinian, a member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy. Serving at the Holy Altar were Rev. Fr. Haroutyoun Karapetyan, Pastor of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, who also served as the celebrant, together with the deacons, scribes, and the church choir.
During the Divine Liturgy, the Prelate based his sermon on the words of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Reflecting on this passage, Archbishop Khacherian explained God’s plan of salvation, emphasizing that Jesus Christ is both the central figure and the fulfillment of that divine plan. He noted that, out of His boundless love for humanity, God granted mankind the gift of salvation and established faith in and acceptance of His Only Begotten Son as Lord and Savior as the first step toward eternal life.
Expanding on this message, the Prelate stressed that merely identifying oneself as a follower of Christ or professing Him as the Light of one’s life is not sufficient for a Christian. Quoting Christ’s words, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12), Archbishop Khacherian emphasized that every Christian is called to reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ through the witness of his or her daily life and to live in accordance with all that He taught.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Board of Trustees hosted a luncheon in honor of the Prelate. Addressing those gathered, Archbishop Khacherian expressed his appreciation to the entire parish family, the pastor, the Board of Trustees, and all those who faithfully serve the Church. He offered his prayers and best wishes for unwavering faith, perseverance in God-pleasing service, good health, and lasting peace.
Later that day, the Prelate held a working meeting with the parish pastor and members of the Board of Trustees. He commended them for their dedicated efforts to keep the faithful actively engaged in the life of the Church and discussed new initiatives aimed at further strengthening the Montebello Armenian community and encouraging Armenians of all ages to participate in the spiritual and national life of the Western Prelacy.
