On the morning of Sunday, February 2, 2025, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over a Divine Liturgy and delivered a sermon at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Montebello. The Divine Liturgy was led by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Dean of Holy Cross Cathedral, with deacons and scribes serving at the altar. Among those present at the Divine Liturgy were Mr. Gaydzag Zetlian, member of the Central Executive Council, Mr. Jack Hadjinian, members of the Prelacy Executive Council, newly elected Board of Trustees members, the large church community, and faithful parishioners.
The theme of H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian’s sermon was centered on Jesus Christ’s message to humanity, where He said, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life.” (John 6:27)
This divine command was inspired by the biblical event in which Jesus Christ miraculously fed five thousand people. Referencing this miracle, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian recalled Jesus Christ’s words to the crowd seeking Him, “You are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate and are now full. But strive not for perishable food, but for the food which endures for eternal life.” Continuing with his reflections, the Prelate recounted how, when the people asked Jesus Christ to give them food, He replied, “I am the Bread of Life.”
In his sermon, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized the following key points:
• Avoid materialism, as its temporary satisfaction distances us from our spiritual values.
• Prioritize spiritual nourishment over material food, as the latter only sustains our physical existence, whereas the former sustains life itself.
• The source of spiritual nourishment is God. The nourishment that grants eternal life is Jesus Christ, who revealed Himself symbolically by saying, “I am the Bread of Life.”
• Spiritual nourishment is the guarantee of eternal life, as it keeps us in communion with God, who is eternity itself.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a luncheon was held with the participation of parish members and representatives of local bodies and organizations.
It should be noted that, by the directive of H.E. Archbishop Khacherian, on the same day, in all churches of the Western Prelacy, a special “Lord, Have Mercy” prayer was offered at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy for the tragic loss of Very Rev. Fr. Anania Koujanian, who fell victim to a heinous crime in Lebanon on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
