On Sunday, September 15, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of Montebello. In observance of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral’s name day, H.E. Khacherian delivered a sermon, extending congratulations to the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral parish and to all individuals named Khachik and Khacher.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Dean of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of Montebello, along with Rev. Fr. Hrant Yeretsian and Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, served at the altar.
The Dean of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Montebello extended a warm welcome to H.E. Archbishop Khacherian on the celebration of the Feast of Exaltation. Very Rev. Fr. Aznikian conveyed his appreciation to the Prelate for presiding over the Divine Liturgy and delivering a sermon to the devoted parishioners in attendance. Also in attendance at the Divine Liturgy was Mr. Jack Hadjinian, member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, shared the story of discovering the Holy Rood of Christ, mentioning that among the hymns written on Feasts of the Armenian Church, there is also a quatrain dedicated to the Feast of Exaltation, where it is said that “the believers of the Cross stood victorious against the enemy. Let us worship the believers.” The Prelate shared that Armenians, along with the whole Christian world, celebrate the Feast of Exaltation, as with all similar Feasts, to commemorate historical events, miracles, and memorable sacraments. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian referred to the story of Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, who discovered fragments of the Cross of Jesus Christ. He emphasized the importance of the Cross in the lives of Christians, stating that carrying the Cross is a significant challenge to lead a morally noble and pure life, and requires conviction and a firm commitment to follow Christ’s Commandments.
At the conclusion of his sermon, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian touched upon the importance of the mission of Sunday schools of the Western Prelacy, which commenced on the same day. The Prelate shared that as in the past, today as well, it is essential that boys and girls of the new Armenian generation, attend Sunday schools. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian praised the Catholicos of the Holy Sea of Cilicia, His Holiness Sahag II, and His Holiness Papken II who at the beginning of the last century, had the foresight in establishing Sunday schools which have been operating since past 95 years. The Prelate concluded that at Sunday schools, under the auspices of the Armenian Church, children receive a Christian education, strengthen their Christian faith, and prepare to become future leaders in the Armenian church, community, and nation.
On the occasion of the Feast of Exaltation, the blessing of Madagh (offering) was performed, which included the traditional ceremony of blessing basil bunches. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian thanked the large community of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of Montebello, and its diligent and hard-working parishioners, emphasizing the significance and value of celebrating traditional Feasts. The Prelate conveyed his hope for the ongoing celebration of religious and national traditions, to further strengthen our Christian faith and our Armenian identity.
