Western Prelacy of the United States, made a two-day pastoral visit to San Francisco, actively engaging with the local Armenian community and offering his blessings and message of faith through a series of meaningful engagements.
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian was formally welcomed to San Francisco by Mr. Matt Senekeremian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, Mr. Harout Momjian, Chairman of the School Board of Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan (KZV) Armenian School, and Mr. Rostom Aintablian, member of the Central Executive Council of the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia. Following a working meeting with the community members, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian turned his attention to a major milestone in the community’s educational life.
45TH ANNIVERSARY OF KZV ARMENIAN SCHOOL
That evening, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian presided over the 45th anniversary gala of KZV Armenian School, held at the Saroyan Hall of the Khachaturian Armenian Community Center. The event brought together a broad cross-section of the united church and school communities, including representatives and members of sister organizations and associations, Mr. Rostom Aintablian, Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, regional delegates, benefactors, friends, school alumni from various generations, volunteers, and invited guests.
Following the opening remarks by Nicole Fantini, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, accompanied by Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, blessed the tables. The formal program included speeches delivered by Mrs. Grace Andonian, Principal of KZV Armenian School, and Mr. Zack Minasian, General Manager of the San Francisco Giants. A highlight of the program was the honoring of KZV alumnus Hrag Kalebjian, recognized for his exemplary role, both as a parent and devoted member of the community, and for his significant moral and financial contributions towards the prosperity of the Armenian community of San Francisco.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian concluded the formal portion of the gala program with heartfelt remarks, commending the school’s remarkable 45-year journey. The Prelate expressed his appreciation for the dedication of the school’s administration, faculty, and broader community, whose united efforts have upheld and advanced the school’s educational mission. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian stressed the vital role of the church and school as the twin pillars of the Armenian community in San Francisco, emphasizing that through their shared spirit of sacrifice and Armenian-Christian faith, these devoted members and entities have propelled the community forward. The Prelate offered his blessings for continued growth, envisioning new achievements and many more bright 45-year milestones to come.
SUNDAY OF THE WORLD CHURCH (GREEN SUNDAY) AT ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR CHURCH
The following morning, on Sunday, May 4, 2025, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in San Francisco and delivered a sermon marking “Green Sunday,” also known as the “Sunday of the World Church.” The celebrant at the Divine Liturgy was the Pastor of the church. In his sermon, the Prelate explained to the congregation that the Armenian Church refers to the second Sunday after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as “Green Sunday” symbolizing and celebrating the establishment of the Christian Church on earth by the Apostles of Jesus Christ while glorifying the memory of Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew, who brought the message and teachings of Christ to Armenia and laid the foundation of the Christian church on Armenian soil.
Reflecting on the Apostolic roots of the Armenian Church, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized its enduring legacy and distinct identity. The Prelate noted that, officially founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator, the Armenian Church has remained faithful in preserving its sacred traditions and teachings across the centuries.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian’s visit to San Francisco was a powerful reminder of the spiritual and cultural bonds that unite the Armenian community and the enduring role of the Church and its institutions in guiding and uplifting the faithful across generations
