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H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian Presides Over A Divine Liturgy At St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church In Place Of St. Garabed Armenian Church, And Shares His Fatherly Blessings With The Devastated Armenian Community Of Pasadena

By January 14, 2025No Comments

On the morning of Sunday, January 12, 2025, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, was scheduled to preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church in Hollywood in celebration of the Feast of St. John the Baptist, that marks the Name Day of the Church. However, guided by his deep sense of spiritual, national, and fatherly compassion, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian decided to quickly change course and rushed to St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Pasadena to be with those affected by the devastating fires. The Prelate presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church and offered words of encouragement and support to the Armenian community of Pasadena, which had been severely impacted by the ongoing fires in Los Angeles County that began the previous week. These fires have caused widespread destruction, including the burning of homes and businesses, deteriorating air quality, and posing a direct threat to the safety of the community.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, with deacons, scribes, and the church choir serving at the altar. H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian’s sermon focused on the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12, verses 32-34, where Jesus Christ encouraged his disciples: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian interpreted the words of Jesus Christ, explaining their significance, and in the context of the current devastation, urged everyone to build lasting wealth grounded in the core values of spirituality, mutual love, and humanity. The Prelate offered comfort to the victims and the Armenian community, who were grappling with spiritual turmoil, and raised a prayer to God asking for the health and safety of greater Los Angeles and its residents.

After the Divine Liturgy, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian met with representatives of the Armenian families and individuals who had sought refuge at the church. The Prelate gathered information about their living conditions and the challenges they were facing then convened a meeting with the Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, offering guidance and direction to ensure that every effort was made to support those in need and to prioritize the well-being of the Armenian community.

H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian also conveyed his fatherly blessings to the members of the community, offering his heartfelt wishes to safely overcome this challenging period.

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