On Sunday morning, October 11, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and conducted the blessing of madagh (offering) at Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Encino on the occasion of the church’s name day. Among the faithful in attendance was Mr. Hovig Bedevian, member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy.
Serving at the Holy Altar were Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, along with the deacons, scribes, and choir.
During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Khacherian began his sermon with the words of the liturgical Armenian prayer, “O Heavenly King, keep Your Church firm and unshaken, and preserve in peace those who worship Your name.” The Prelate then reflected on Jesus Christ’s establishment of the New Covenant, the foundation of the Church, and the calling of those who follow Him. He emphasized that the purpose of Christian life is not rooted in earthly and temporary values, but in heavenly and eternal ones. Therefore, Archbishop Khacherian noted, this life must be lived with the desire to store up treasures in heaven, as Jesus Christ taught all humanity.
“The Church means the gathering of those who are called,” Archbishop Khacherian stated, explaining that the true Church is comprised of the faithful followers of Jesus Christ, rather than the buildings and structures that have served, and continue to serve, as places for the preservation of spiritual values. Reflecting on the Armenian Church as one of the spiritual treasures of the Armenian people, Archbishop Khacherian stressed that all Armenians are called to preserve their national and cultural heritage. Referring to the Feast of the Holy Translators, which had been observed just one day earlier, the Prelate noted that St. Gregory the Illuminator brought Christianity to Armenia, while the generation of Holy Translators gave Christianity an Armenian character and helped shape the identity of the Armenian people. Through the establishment of schools and the advancement of spiritual, national, educational, and cultural life, the Holy Translators laid the foundation for a mission that has endured through generations of devoted Armenians and continues to enrich Armenian community life to this day, said the Prelate.
In conclusion, Archbishop Khacherian congratulated the church community and the faithful on the occasion of the church’s name day, offered prayers for the continued strength of the Church, and extended his fatherly blessings and best wishes to all. Following the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Khacherian conducted the blessing of madagh in the church courtyard and thereafter shared a meal with the Board of Trustees.
It should also be noted that on the same day, requiem services were held in all churches of the Western Prelacy for the repose of the souls of deceased members of Hamazkayin Western Region.
