On Saturday and Sunday, August 22–23, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, paid a two-day pastoral visit to the Las Vegas parish community. The Prelate was accompanied by Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chairman of the Executive Council, and Executive Council members Mr. Hovig Bedevian and Mr. Jack Hadjinian.
Upon arriving at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas, Archbishop Khacherian was welcomed by Rev. Fr. Barkev Balkevorkian, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, along with parish representatives. Later that day, the Prelate presided over a previously scheduled meeting with members of the Board of Trustees and the region’s National Representatives. During the meeting, the Prelate and members of the Executive Council listened to the concerns of those present regarding various matters affecting the parish community. A constructive discussion followed, during which Archbishop Khacherian offered his guidance and direction on the matters raised.
On Sunday morning, August 23, the Prelate, accompanied by his delegation, entered St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. In his sermon, Archbishop Khacherian reflected on the defining virtues of the Holy Virgin Mary, tracing her life from her birth and earthly journey to her passing and assumption into heaven.
Emphasizing the Holy Mother of God’s absolute obedience to God, Archbishop Khacherian stated, “Obedience to God is an essential condition for the relationship between God and humanity to remain stable and harmonious.” The Prelate explained that the disobedience of Adam and Eve in Paradise disrupted the harmony of the relationship between God and humanity, ultimately resulting in humanity’s expulsion from Paradise. Elaborating further, Archbishop Khacherian noted that the Holy Virgin Mary holds a central role in God’s plan of salvation for humanity, serving as an intercessor between humanity and Jesus Christ. He emphasized that Christ is the Savior of all humankind and the only means through whom humanity may once again inherit Paradise and live in the presence of God.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Prelate and his delegation had the opportunity to meet and converse with the faithful in the church courtyard. They later shared a meal with parish members and community representatives, providing another opportunity to discuss various matters and concerns affecting the Las Vegas parish community. Archbishop Khacherian and the Executive Council members offered the necessary explanations, guidance, and direction regarding the issues and concerns raised.
At the conclusion of the meaningful exchange, the Prelate commended those present for their spirit of unity and cooperation and bestowed his fatherly blessings upon them. In turn, many of the attendees expressed their warm appreciation to Archbishop Khacherian, the Chairman of the Executive Council, and its members for taking the time to visit the Las Vegas community.
As part of the two-day visit, on Saturday evening, Archbishop Khacherian and his delegation were also dinner guests of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church Board of Trustees member Mrs. Lilit Isakhanian at her residence.
