H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, visited the San Francisco community from Thursday, October 31, 2024, until Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Throughout his five-day visit to the San Francisco Armenian community, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian engaged in various activities and meetings giving purpose to his Pastoral visit.
On Thursday, October 31, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian arrived at the San Francisco parish where he was warmly greeted by Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of San Francisco, and Mr. Rostom Aintablian, a delegate, community leader, and member of the Central Executive Council of the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia. Later that evening, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian presided over a meeting and dinner with the Board of Trustees and members of the Ladies Auxiliary. During the meeting, the Prelate learned about the various activities, programs, and logistics associated with his visit. At the dinner, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian conveyed his fatherly blessings to the devoted spiritual and volunteer members of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church.
On Friday, November 1, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian met with H.E. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Prelate of the Catholic Church in San Francisco. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian was accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Saboundjian, Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, and Mr. Rostom Aintablian. This first meeting allowed the two church leaders to get acquainted with one another and exchange heartfelt warm wishes. H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, fraternized in their common bond in Jesus Christ, presented H.E. Archbishop Cordileone a book titled “The Armenian Church” authored by His Holiness Aram I, the Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, and a small Armenian Cross (Khachkar). The two leaders also discussed various issues affecting today’s Christian world and American communities, based on their understanding of the core values and beliefs of their respective churches.
On Saturday, November 2, 2024 H.E. Archbishop Khacherian presided over the evening service at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, where he ordained sub-deacon and scripes. Levon Bamougian and Arshag Bamougian were both promoted to the rank of subdeacon. During the ceremony, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian extended his congratulations to the newly ordained subdeacons wishing them dedicated service to the church.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian acknowledged in his message that while the recipients may be entering their service at a junior rank, they have embarked on a path that opens doors to serving the church in significant ways. The Prelate expressed his appreciation for everyone’s dedication to the Armenian Church and nation, and extended congratulations to their parents and the church community. After the ceremony, a reception took place in the church hall where attendees were able to congratulate the newly appointed subdeacons.
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, devoted members of the congregation gathered for a Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church. H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian presided over the Divine Liturgy, delivered a sermon, performed the ordination of deacons, and delivered his message emphasizing the importance of serving the church. Also in attendance at the Divine Liturgy was H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian. Serving the altar were Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Saboundjian and Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, Pastors of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, along with scribes. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian ordained four new deacons during the service: Rostom Dznountian, Hagop Koujakian, Viken Djingeuzian, and Evan Haroutioun Ugarte.
After the ordination ceremony, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian highlighted the concept of deaconry and in his sermon emphasized how the disciples of Jesus Christ, in order to help and serve the nutritional needs of the large crowds gathering to listen to their Lord, decided to ordain deacons who were entrusted with serving the people. Inspired by the example of Jesus Christ, the role of deacons evolved over time as they dedicated themselves to serving both the church altar and the people, reshaping the traditional idea of “A servant to an emperor, king, or noble” with new wisdom derived from the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ, which emphasized the deacon’s role as a servant to all.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian elaborated on the concept of service while addressing the newly ordained deacons. The Prelate shared that all Christians are encouraged to serve in the Church of Christ and being a deacon is not only a duty but also a privilege. Archbishop Khacherian also stated that serving God and the Spiritual House of God is considered the highest honor and grace a person can receive in their lifetime. The Prelate emphasized that one should not seek praise or recognition, quoting the words from the Gospel, “We are worthless servants, simply doing our duty.”
We would like to mention that at the request of the HOMENETMEN Regional Executive of the Western USA, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian also presided over a memorial service dedicated to the memory of all the deceased HOMENETMEN members in the Western United States. The memorial service was also held in all churches in California.
On the same day, in the afternoon, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian presided over a dinner-gala held in his honor at the Khachaturian Armenian Community Center “Saroyan Hall” of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church. The dinner-gala was organized by the church’s extensive family and was attended by Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, and his wife Mrs. Hasmig Hovaguimian. Mr. Berj Apkarian, a member of teh Prelacy Executive Council and Honorary consul of Armenia in Fresno and his wife Arpi, were also among the attendees of the gala, along with religious, community, and educational organizations, as well as officials, benefactors, and friends.
After the welcoming wishes by Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Saboundjian, proceeding Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, a decree by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, was read while H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian awarded the prestigious “Knight of Cilicia” medal to two community members, Mr. Rostom Aintablian, a delegate and member of the Central Executive of the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia, and Mr. Garbis Bezdjian, a member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, in recognition of their service to the community.
During the dinner, speeches were delivered by Ms. Dzovig Derounian, Chairlady of the Dinner-Gala organizing committee, Ms. Nanor Ekmekjian, master of ceremonies of the event, Mr. Tro Avedian, a friend of H.E. Archbishop Khacherian, Ms. Sarin Andonian, a student of Krouzian Zekarian Vasbouragan Armenian School, and Mr. Rostom Aintablian. Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, presented a commemorative gift to Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Saboundjian. Very Rev. Fr. Saboundjian expressed gratitude to the community for the commemorative gift given to him.
The closing message at the dinner-gala was delivered by H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian. The Prelate described his five-day pastoral visit to the San Francisco Armenian community as a “symphony of service,” during which he held valuable meetings with various spiritual, parish, educational, and community leaders, as well as organizations and bodies dedicated to serving the San Francisco community. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the community members and dedicated volunteers, and shared words of gratitude to Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Saboundjian for his service, wishing him future success. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian invited Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chairperson of the Executive Council, to present a commemorative memento to Very Rev. Fr. Saboundjian on behalf of the Western Prelacy of the United States. The Prelate also wished success to Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, the newly appointed Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, and to the San Francisco Armenian community in their spiritual and national endeavors.
On Monday, November 4, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian concluded his pastoral visit to the Armenian community of San Francisco with a visit to Krouzian Zekarian Vasbouragan (KZV) Armenian School. The Prelate was greeted by Ms. Grace Andonian, Principal of KZV Armenian School, and was accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Saboundjian, Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, and Mr. Rostom Aintablian. During his visit to KZV Armenian school, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian toured classrooms and engaged in discussions with students ranging from Kindergarten to 8th grade. The Prelate was also the guest of honor at a luncheon at the school, which was attended by the school’s principal, teachers, staff, and students. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian expressed his appreciation for the gathering, offering words of encouragement and fatherly blessings to all in attendance.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian returned to Los Angeles on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
