“The Feast of the Holy Translators is an Annual
Encounter with our Identity”
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian
On Sunday, October 20, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over a Divine Liturgy, delivered a sermon, and consecrated the new bell at the Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Orange County. The Ghazarian family, Mr. and Mrs. Zohrab and Seta Ghazarian, donated the new church bell in honor of their late parents.
Last Sunday, a spiritual and cultural celebration took place in Orange County. Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, served the altar alongside Archpriest Fr. Hrant Yeretsian, former Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, deacons, scribes, and the church choir. The Divine Liturgy was attended by the church’s founders, benefactors, representatives from ARF Western USA Central Committee, regional delegates, as well as representatives and students from Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School. The large family of faithful parishioners was also present at the Divine Liturgy.
In his sermon, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian referencing the hymnbook in his sermon, mentioned the significance of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Christianizing Armenia, and Mesrob Mashdots for inventing the Armenian alphabet, which played a crucial role in shaping Armenia’s Christian identity. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian highlighted how the invention of the Armenian alphabet allowed our people to read and understand the Armenian Bible, known as the “Queen of Translations,” and fully embrace it as part of their identity. The Prelate emphasized that the annual Feast of the Holy Translators is an important celebration that connects Armenians with their identity as it enabled God’s message to be conveyed in their native language. This led to a deeper understanding of heaven, and the sacrament of eternal life, and ultimately instilled in our people the commitment to sacrifice the temporary in pursuit of eternal life.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian blessed the new church bell during his sermon with a special prayer and the singing of hymns. The Prelate emphasized that the new bell symbolizes a call to God and our Christian faith, as well as a call to our Armenian Christian identity that has been preserved for centuries, calling it the “ringing bells of the translators.”
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the hymn “Cilicia” was sung together by those at the altar and parishioners in attendance. Subsequently, the procession made its way to the Ghazarian hall, where students from Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School presented a cultural program. Following the program, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian delivered a heartfelt speech, commending the students and highlighting the strategy adopted by Mesrob Mashdots in establishing Armenian schools in various corners of Armenia, and the significance of Armenian education which has been a priority for our people since 405 AD. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian also pointed out the traditional Armenian costumes worn by the students during their performances, emphasizing the connection to their heritage and expressing pride in their national identity, while respecting other cultures. As a token of gratitude, the community of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church of Orange County presented H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian with a beautiful Armenian Pectoral Cross.
The Feast of the Holy Translators was celebrated in Orange County in a joyful atmosphere and concluded with a luncheon. During the luncheon, the Orange County community showed their appreciation to H.E. Archbishop Khacherian for visiting the region and received his fatherly blessings.
The night prior, on Saturday, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian was the guest of honor at a dinner hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Levon and Zaroug Gugasian at their restaurant, attended by founders, benefactors, and distinguished community members.
