Under the guidance and visionary leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, a new sacred hymns choir, “Sharagan” has been established, bringing together deacons and young male faithful from parishes throughout the Western Prelacy.
This meaningful initiative is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Dr. Eric Esrailian, 2026 Godfather of Christian Education of the Western Prelacy, and is entrusted to the musical direction of renowned and accomplished conductor Berj Kirazian.
More than the formation of a choir, this initiative represents a commitment to preserving a treasured part of the Armenian Church’s spiritual and cultural musical inheritance and ensuring that it remains vibrant, understood, and cherished by generations to come.
For centuries, the sacred hymns of the Armenian Apostolic Church have carried the prayers, history, and devotion of our Holy Fathers. Traditionally heard within the solemn beauty of church services, these hymns are not simply music. They are a living expression of faith—words and melodies passed from one generation to the next.
Through concerts and special programs, “Sharagan” will create opportunities for the faithful to experience this sacred musical tradition in beautiful settings beyond the formal liturgical service. In doing so, the initiative seeks to draw people closer to the Church while deepening their appreciation for its rich history, culture, and spiritual heritage.
Equally important is the choir’s educational mission. By inviting parish deacons and other young men of the Church to participate, the program provides a unique opportunity not only to perform these ancient hymns, but also to learn them, understand them, and ultimately carry them forward.
The Western Prelacy expresses its deep gratitude to Dr. Eric Esrailian for embracing and supporting this important initiative. Dr. Esrailian’s commitment extends far beyond his generous sponsorship; it reflects a deeply rooted Christian faith and a sincere devotion to the life and mission of the Church. Through his service, he continues to champion initiatives that strengthen Christian fellowship, inspire greater participation in the life of the Church, and help ensure that its faith and traditions remain vibrant for generations to come.
“The beauty of this initiative is that its impact will extend far beyond the choir itself,” said His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khacherian. “Each deacon and young man who participates will carry what he has learned back to his own parish, sharing these sacred hymns with fellow servers every Sunday. In this way, one voice inspires another, one parish strengthens another, and a cherished tradition continues to grow throughout our Prelacy. What begins here as a choir can become a living movement of faith, music, and heritage—preserving the sacred hymns of our Church not only by singing them, but by learning them, loving them, and passing them on.”
As the “Sharagan” choir grows, it is hoped that an increasing number of deacons and young men from throughout the parishes of the Western Prelacy will join its ranks, strengthening both its musical voice and its spiritual mission.
