On the morning of Sunday, March 15, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and performed the blessing of the offering (madagh) at Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Orange County, on the occasion of the church’s name day. Serving at the altar were Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, together with Rev. Fr. Hrant Yeretsian, deacons, and scribes.
The occasion brought together the church’s benefactors, donors, and generations of devoted faithful supporters. Among those present were the sponsors of the offering, national benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Bedig and Maro Fermanian, Mr. and Mrs. Aris and Angele Stambolian, ARF Western U.S. Central Committee Chair Mr. Garo Madenlian, and Mrs. Frieda Jordan, President of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.
The large congregation gathered for the spiritually uplifting celebration of the Feast of the Forty Martyrs was guided by the Prelate’s sermon, which opened with the words, “Beloved, it is the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, and the Holy Church invites the faithful to reflect on eternal life.” Referring to the Gospel of Matthew, Archbishop Khacherian noted that Christ’s parables draw from everyday life to reveal the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing that one often sacrifices what is in hand in pursuit of something greater, like the wealthy merchant described in the parables.
Connecting this reflection to the lives of the saints, Archbishop Khacherian noted that throughout history, those who were martyred for Christ found Him in their lives and chose to follow Him above all worldly and personal interests. In the same spirit, the Prelate pointed, the forty soldiers of the Roman army chose martyrdom in Christ rather than living their young lives without Him and enjoying worldly comforts.
Recalling the historical account, the Prelate explained that these forty soldiers, who had accepted Jesus Christ as the purpose of their lives, were condemned during the Roman era to perish in a frozen lake because they refused to renounce their faith and their identity as followers of Jesus Christ. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized that although those young men were martyred, they were sanctified after death and gained the Kingdom of Heaven.
Focusing on the call to become heirs of heavenly treasure, Archbishop Khacherian recalled the words of Christ, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” He urged the faithful to become stewards and guardians of this heavenly treasure, the promise of eternal life, and to live this temporary life with that awareness, so that they may inherit eternal life when the time comes.
At the conclusion of the sermon, the Prelate congratulated the parish on its name day and extended his blessings to those bearing the name Manoug. He then proceeded to the church entryway, where he blessed and unveiled a memorial plaque dedicated to Vosgan and Eliz Stambolian, parents of benefactor Mr. Aris Stambolian.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Khacherian presided over a luncheon organized by the Board of Trustees in the church hall. In his remarks, he commended the local Armenian community for its continued contributions to the growth of their spiritual home and extended his fatherly blessings to the clergy, community leaders, benefactors, donors, and all members of the Forty Martyrs Church family. The Prelate encouraged them to remain committed to their faithful service and to continue strengthening their community through dedicated and faithful efforts.
