On Sunday, September 14, 2025, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of Montebello on the occasion of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the Cathedral’s Name Day. The Prelate delivered the sermon, performed the blessing of basil, and in honor of the Cathedral’s Name Day, extended his congratulations to the parish community and performed the blessing of the offering (madagh) inside the Bagramian Hall.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Dean of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, welcomed the Prelate for his visit on this special occasion. Serving the altar were Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, Pastor of Holy Cross Cathedral, together with deacons and scribes. Among the large parish community gathered was Mr. Jack Hadjinian, member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy.
In his sermon, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian highlighted the spiritual meaning of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with the words, “The Holy Cross is the staff of strength for those who believe.” The Prelate emphasized the three main purposes of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: first, through His Cross, Christ freed humanity from the bonds of sin; second, by His sacrifice upon the Cross, He became the means of reconciliation between God and mankind; and third, through His Resurrection, Christ triumphed over death, opening the path of eternal life before humanity.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Prelate proceeded to Bagramian Hall, where he performed the blessing of the offering and presided over the celebratory luncheon organized in honor of the Holy Cross Cathedral’s Name Day. Present at the luncheon were members of the community and parish family. During the luncheon, in response to the initiative of the Holy Cross Cathedral’s Sunday School administration and the Board of Trustees, the Prelate presented a plaque of appreciation to Mrs. Madlen Tatoian, a longtime devoted educator of the Sunday School, recognizing her years of dedicated service.
At the conclusion of the luncheon, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian congratulated all present, commended their commitment to the advancement of the community and parish programs, and offered his fatherly blessings and heartfelt well wishes.
