On Sunday morning, June 7, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Encino. The celebrant of the Divine Liturgy was Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church. Assisting at the altar were deacons, scribes, and members of the church choir. Among those in attendance were H.E. Archbishop Torkom Donoyan, community leaders, and a large gathering of faithful parishioners.
In his sermon, Archbishop Khacherian reflected on the life and historical events surrounding St. Gregory the Illuminator, the royal secretary of King Dertad III of pagan Armenia. After embracing Christianity and becoming a follower of Jesus Christ, St. Gregory was imprisoned in the deep pit of Khor Virap by order of the king. Years later, he emerged from the pit with his faith strengthened and, through the power of that faith, healed King Dertad III, who had lost his mental and spiritual peace following the martyrdom of the Hripsimian Virgins. The Prelate explained that through St. Gregory, King Dertad III accepted Christianity and proclaimed it the official religion of Armenia, making Armenia the first Christian nation in the world in 301 A.D., long before the Roman Empire embraced the Christian faith.
Elaborating upon these historic events, Archbishop Khacherian highlighted their significance and their direct connection to the establishment of Holy Etchmiadzin. He noted that the founding of Holy Etchmiadzin is itself a unique blessing, as its location was divinely revealed in a vision granted to St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Catholicos of Armenia. According to the vision, a figure descended from heaven and marked the site of the future cathedral with a golden hammer. On that sacred ground arose Holy Etchmiadzin, which remains standing to this day as the God-given spiritual center of the Armenian people and a visible testament to the world, even during an era when Christianity was practiced in secrecy throughout much of the world.
“The Armenian people must live in unity, firmly committed to their centuries-old traditions and moral values, the finest expression of which is the Armenian Church. The Armenian Church forms the foundation of our national existence and faith and embodies the great blessing of being enlightened by Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life,” the Prelate remarked.
On this occasion, Archbishop Khacherian also congratulated the parish of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church on the completion of its recent renovation and beautification efforts. He reminded those present that throughout history and across the world, Armenians have often built their churches before their own homes and have generously contributed to the construction, maintenance, and restoration of God’s house, considering such service a sacred and God-pleasing act.
Expressing his joy at the renovated church, Archbishop Khacherian congratulated the Board of Trustees, benefactors, volunteers, and the entire parish family. He offered his blessings and prayers that, as proclaimed in the hymns of the Armenian Church, the faith of St. Gregory the Illuminator may remain vibrant in the life of the Armenian people for generations to come, so that the nation may remain firm and endure forever.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Khacherian proceeded to the church hall, where he presided over a fellowship luncheon held in his honor. Participating in the luncheon were Archbishop Torkom Donoyan, Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees, and representatives of the community’s various organizations.
