Newly Ordained Rev. Fr. Haroutyoun Karapetyan Celebrates His First Divine Liturgy And Delivers A Sermon At Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic
Cathedral In Montebello
Holy Communion Offered To The Graduating Class Of
Armenian Mesrobian High School
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Montebello and, following the service, offered a special Republic Day Prayer commemorating the 108th anniversary of the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Haroutyoun Karapetyan, the newly ordained pastor of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral. Assisting at the altar were Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, deacons, scribes, and members of the church choir.
Among those in attendance were Executive Council members Mr. Jack Hadjinian, Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian and her husband, Mr. Gaidzag Zetlian, a member of the Central Executive Council, Rev. Fr. Haroutyoun Karapetyan’s ordination godparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ron and Goharik Gabriel, members of the parish community, and representatives of Armenian Mesrobian School, including Principal Mrs. Lena Garabedian, administrators, faculty members, and the graduating Class of 2026, accompanied by their parents and family members.
In keeping with a longstanding tradition, the graduating students gathered at the cathedral on the eve of their commencement exercises to receive Holy Communion from the hands of the newly ordained priest. Following the administration of Holy Communion, Rev. Fr. Karapetyan delivered his first sermon. He began by offering thanks to Almighty God for deeming him worthy of the sacred and demanding calling of priesthood. He also expressed his appreciation to Archbishop Khacherian for granting him the opportunity to serve within the Western Prelacy and for ordaining him to the holy priesthood.
Extending words of appreciation to his spiritual fathers, the Board of Trustees, his family members, and all those who supported him throughout his journey, Rev. Fr. Karapetyan explained that the theme of his first sermon was drawn from Luke 4:25–30. Reflecting on Christ’s words concerning the prophets Elijah and Elisha following His forty-day fast, he emphasized that when God does not find faith and trust among His people, He turns His attention to those who are receptive to Him. “It is not enough simply to believe in God and trust Him,” Rev. Fr. Karapetyan stated. He stressed that alongside faith and trust, individuals must also do their part by working diligently and striving to fulfill worthy goals and aspirations.
Speaking further on the nature of faith and trust, the newly ordained priest encouraged the faithful to approach God with the confidence of children, who place complete trust in the love, care, and protection of their parents without doubt or hesitation. He urged those present to speak to God, pray, ask, and trust Him with childlike faith, confident that God always provides what is best for those who place their trust in Him.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Kegham Khacherian offered a special Republic Day Prayer marking the 108th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia. This solemn moment of prayer was dedicated to the strength, perseverance, and continued prosperity of the Armenian state, homeland, Church, and people. The observance concluded with the congregation joining together in the singing of “Mer Hayrenik” and “Cilicia.”
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Board of Trustees hosted a fellowship reception under the auspices of the Prelate in honor of Rev. Fr. Haroutyoun Karapetyan and his family, as well as benefactors and friends of the parish. Alongside words of congratulations and appreciation, Archbishop Khacherian and attendees extended their best wishes to Rev. Fr. Karapetyan, praying that God grant him many fruitful years of dedicated religious service and ministry.
