On Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, attended the opening ceremony of the new Regional Executive Center of Hamazkayin Western United States, accompanied by Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian, Vice-Chair of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy.
Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, Rev. Fr. Ardag Demirjian, Dr. Dikran Babikian, member of the Hamazkayin Central Executive Board from Los Angeles, Mr. and Mrs. Aris and Angela Stambolian, principal benefactors of the new Hamazkayin Regional Executive Center, along with other benefactors, representatives of community organizations and associations, former Chairpersons of Hamazkayin’s extended family, as well as members and representatives of various chapters and professional organizations, whose collective efforts, dedication, and support turned the dream of acquiring a new Regional Executive Center for Hamazkayin into a reality.
The official opening of the ceremony took place at the entrance of the center. Mr. Hovig Seraydarian, Vice-Chair of Hamazkayin Western USA’s Regional Executive Board, welcomed the attendees and expressed his heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the Regional Executive Board for their presence and unwavering support for the successful purchase of the first and only regional headquarters of Hamazkayin, as well as for their commitment to Hamazkayin’s mission of preserving the Armenian culture.
Mr. Manoug Joukhajian, Chair of the Hamazkayin Western USA’s Regional Executive Board, also addressed the attendees, emphasizing that this newly acquired center, Hamazkayin’s first owned property, will serve as a driving force in strengthening national values through modern methodologies and fostering new cultural advancements and successes within the Armenian community. On behalf of the Hamazkayin Central Executive Board, Dr. Dikran Babikian extended his congratulations on the opening of the new center, commending both the past and present Hamazkayin Regional Executive Board members. Subsequently, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Mr. Aris Stambolian was honored with Hamazkayin’s highest medal, and the benefactor couple were presented with a special certificate in recognition of their generous contribution and support.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian then took the stage, expressing appreciation for the dedication of Hamazkayin’s extended family, the principal benefactor couple, and all benefactor supporters, donors, and volunteers committed to preserving and promoting Armenian cultural values. The Prelate further emphasized that, alongside other organizations, it was time for Hamazkayin to also have its own center in this Armenian-populated diaspora community to advance its cultural mission and initiatives. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian expressed hope that Hamazkayin would integrate modern methods and approaches into its traditional programs and initiatives to enhance and further advance Armenian cultural preservation and foster a deeper appreciation of the arts and Armenian culture among future generations. The Prelate also called upon the community to view the acquisition of this center not as an endpoint but as the beginning of new successes and achievements, urging everyone to continue their financial and moral support for Hamazkayin’s mission and programs.
Following the closing remarks, the benefactor couple performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance of the new center. H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian then led a traditional Armenian ceremony, blessing the salt and bread, and offered his fatherly well wishes as he toured the various sections of the center, familiarizing himself with current operations and future plans while providing his fatherly guidance and recommendations for the new center.
