On Sunday morning, February 1, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Pasadena. During the service, the Prelate delivered a sermon and performed the blessing of the offering (madagh). On the occasion of the Feast of St. Sarkis the Commander, Archbishop Khacherian congratulated the church on its name day, and extended his warmest wishes to all present, especially those named Sarkis and Mardiros.
The Holy Altar was served by Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church of Pasadena, along with the deacons, scribes, and choir, under the direction of Deacon Yervant Keshishian. Attending the Divine Liturgy were members of the church’s extended family and Armenian faithful from the community, including Western Prelacy Executive Council members, Mr. Sarkis Tatikian and Hovig Bedevian, as well as members of benefactor families and volunteers.
In his sermon, Archbishop Khacherian explained that the day’s theme was a continuation of the previous Sunday’s topic, referencing the words of Apostle John in which Jesus Christ says, “I am the bread of life.” The Prelate noted “In the second part of this passage, Apostle John emphasizes that the focus is not on material bread, but on eternal life. Eternal life can be attained only through faith. Jesus Christ declares that whoever believes in the One sent by God from heaven will have eternal life. Christ affirms this by saying, I am the one. I am the bread that came down from heaven, meaning He is the bread of life, that gives life to the world.” Archbishop Khacherian elaborated that while we need bread and food to live in this world, to be worthy of eternal life, one needs more than material bread, we need faith and the nourishment of the soul. The Prelate stressed, “whoever receives the bread that came down from heaven is the one who becomes worthy of eternal life.”
Connecting his sermon to St. Sarkis the Commander, the Prelate reflected on the saint’s martyrdom, together with his son Mardiros, for the sake of faith, which earned him worthy of the title of sainthood. The Prelate highlighted that the Feast of St. Sarkis is an important part of Armenian people’s devotional tradition and represents one of the feasts of the Armenian Church. Archbishop Khacherian shared that St. Sarkis is especially admired and cherished by the Armenian people, “because our people have regarded him as a swift respondent in times of hardship, to whom the faithful turn in life’s most difficult moments.” Concluding his sermon, the Prelate highlighted two key points, first, that St. Sarkis stands as a model of faith for future generations, and second, that the Armenian people’s devotion to St. Sarkis continues to guide our lives as it has for generations, inspiring us to live with peace, compassion, friendship, hospitality, and mercy, in our relationships with others.
Archbishop Khacherian concluded with a prayer, asking that St. Sarkis remain a source of help in times of difficulty for our people, and keep alive within all of us the flame of God’s love and faith, for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Prelate performed the blessing of the offering and presided over a fellowship luncheon organized by the Board of Trustees and the Ladies’ Guild. During the luncheon, Archbishop Khacherian offered words of encouragement, expressed appreciation to the church family, praised the Armenian community’s dedication to the Armenian Church, conveyed his well-wishes to volunteers, benefactors, and leaders, and bestowed his fatherly blessings on all present.
