The Prelate Celebrates Divine Liturgy, Delivers The Sermon, And Performs The Traditional Blessing Of Basil And Madagh
Western Prelacy Sunday Schools Begin The New Academic Year
On Sunday, September 13, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Montebello on the occasion of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Serving at the Holy Altar was Rev. Fr. Haroutyoun Karapetyan, Pastor of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, assisted by deacons and scribes, with the participation of the church choir. The Cathedral was filled with faithful parishioners and members of the extended church family. Also in attendance was National Delegate Mr. Joe Samuelian.
In his sermon, Archbishop Khacherian reflected on the hymn composed for the feast and spoke about the profound spiritual meaning of the Holy Cross. He explained that, beyond the historical account of the discovery of the True Cross and its renewed significance throughout the Christian world, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross holds a special place as one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
“The Cross is the symbol of Christianity. It is the refuge and strength of Christians throughout the world. Beyond the material value of the wood of the Cross, it symbolizes the crucified Christ, who came into the world, was crucified, and rose from the dead. By conquering death, Jesus Christ delivered us from our sins and reconciled us with God the Father, opening before us the path to eternal life,” the Prelate stated.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Khacherian also reflected with faith and fatherly affection on the opening of the 2026–2027 academic year of the Sunday Schools operating under the auspices of the churches of the Western Prelacy. On this occasion, he commended the organizing bodies, volunteer educators, students receiving Armenian Christian education, and their parents for their commitment to nurturing the faith and Armenian identity of the younger generation.
Following the service, the Prelate proceeded to Bagramian Hall, where he conducted the traditional blessing of basil and madagh.
In honor of Archbishop Khacherian and on the occasion of the Cathedral’s name day, the Board of Trustees had organized a fellowship luncheon. The Prelate presided over the luncheon and broke bread with members of the extended church family in an atmosphere filled with fraternal love and divine blessings.
Archbishop Khacherian expressed his appreciation to all those present and to the church’s dedicated volunteers for their active participation in community life and their contributions to the success of the Cathedral’s programs and initiatives. He concluded by extending his fatherly blessings and well wishes to the entire community.
