On Sunday morning, May 25, 2025, on the occasion of the 107th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia, churches across the Western Prelacy of the United States held special prayers and the blessing of the Armenian tricolor flag, praying for peace and prosperity of the Armenian state and the continued and enduring presence of the Armenian flag in the hearts of Armenians in Armenia, the Diaspora, and around the world.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered a sermon at Holy Archangels Church in Crescenta Valley. During the Divine Liturgy, the Prelate offered prayers and conducted the blessing of the Armenian Tricolor, stirring a deep sense of devotion among the Homenetmen scouts bearing the flags and the faithful gathered in the church. Also in attendance was Mr. Meher Der Ohannesian, Vice-Chair of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy.
In his sermon, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian described the day as a significant and spiritually rich moment for the homeland and for Armenians everywhere. The Prelate expressed his sincere wish that the Armenian state and its symbol, the Tricolor flag, rooted in decades of cherished tradition, continue to be embraced and honored with collective national devotion and remain a focus of the people’s prayers. The Prelate described the Armenian Tricolor as both a sacred symbol and a vital pillar of Armenian identity.
Reflecting on the biblical teaching of complete commitment, through which a person becomes a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized that, just as every Christian is called to carry their cross with unwavering dedication and commitment, every Armenian Christian must also love their homeland with conscious and unwavering commitment. That love and commitment, the Prelate said, must translate to genuine involvement towards the prosperity of our homeland, upholding Armenia and its statehood as central values in the life of the Armenian people.
Following the Divine Liturgy, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian also presided over a requiem prayer in memory of the late Mrs. Satig Der Ohannesian, a devoted benefactor of the Western Prelacy of the United States.
