On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at noon, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over the Great Lent Luncheon organized by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Western Prelacy at the Legacy Banquet Hall in San Fernando. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian was accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale. The luncheon was attended by more than 200 guests, including benefactors, donors, and community members.
The luncheon commenced with welcoming remarks from Ms. Maral Keledjian, a member of the Western Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary who welcomed the guests and highlighted the proclamation of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, declaring 2025 as the “Year of the Revitalization of Traditions.” Ms. Keledjian then invited H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian to bless the tables. Alongside Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, the Prelate led morning hymns, offering prayers and blessings to all in attendance.
The luncheon’s keynote speaker, Ms. Jibid Melkonian, explored the theme of reviving forgotten traditions and valuing and preserving customs with awareness, reflecting on insights from His Holiness Aram I and delving into ancient Armenian beliefs and ritual customs. Ms. Melkonian noted that many of these traditions are rooted in the pre-Christian era that evolved into integral aspects of Armenian Christian and national celebrations, such as the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple and the Eve of Great Lent which continue to be celebrated to this day. As a practical demonstration, Ms. Melkonian, following the teaching of rituals expert Lusik Aguletsi, introduced the traditional “Agladiz” ritual doll, symbolizing the seven weeks of Lent, with seven feathers attached to an onion. Highlighting the symbolic importance of such traditions, Ms. Melkonian emphasized the significant role of these traditions in shaping Armenian identity, psychology, and character traits over the centuries.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian’s message further reinforced the importance of preserving both religious and cultural traditions. Addressing the women in attendance, the Prelate noted, “The traditions of the Armenian nation are not just those recorded in books; they are the customs that bring meaning to our daily and family life, linking the past with the present. These traditions are passed down through generations, with grandmothers and mothers as the primary bearers of our cultural heritage, and traditions that characterize Armenian family life.” The Prelate added, “Traditional dishes made by Armenian mothers also strengthen the bond between relatives, fostering human relationships, and bringing family members together, creating traditions and customs.” H.E. Archbishop Khacherian encouraged Armenian women and mothers to uphold and pass down their religious and national traditions to future generations emphasizing that these traditions are not outdated but remain valuable even in the 21st century. The Prelate highlighted that such traditions contribute to preserving the traditional family lifestyle, etiquette, order, and structure while fostering stability and integrity in both family and human relationships.
The beautifully decorated banquet hall by the Ladies Auxiliary, featured tables adorned with an assortment of traditional Lenten dishes, continuing the rich Armenian culinary tradition of Lent. Guests also received symbolic Armenian and national gifts, adding to the luncheon’s cultural ambiance. The luncheon was further enriched by performances from Kanun player Ms. Nektar and singer Mr. Margar Yeghiazaryan, who performed traditional Armenian folk songs. Inspired by their performance, many attendees made generous contributions in support of Western Prelacy programs.
Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale
Earlier that morning, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered a sermon at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale. In his sermon, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian reflected on the meaning of Lenten hymns and prayers, emphasizing that the morning service is a plea for divine light to illuminate the lives of faithful Armenian Christians, so that one’s soul may attain peace, and tranquility may encompass all aspects of the Armenian nation’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, and aspirational pursuits. The Prelate stated, “The divine light is Jesus Christ, whose guidance humanity needs to achieve inner peace, receive blessings in all endeavors, and strive for true perfection, as our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us with His words: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.'”
On this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian also shared the parable told by Jesus Christ of the rich man, who is unable to renounce his worldly wealth, see beyond his life, and behold eternity, who is denied entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. As a result, the Prelate explained, he is deprived of the true light and the right to inherit immortality. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian stressed that true fulfillment lies not in the material riches, and glory of our worldly life, but in the aspiration for eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
