On the morning of Sunday, May 19, 2024, H.E Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered sermon, during his inaugural visit to St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian community of Las Vegas, on the occasion of the Feast of the Pentecost.
Geographically distant from the Western Prelacy headquarters yet intimately connected in spirit, Sunday was a day of celebration for the Armenian community in Las Vegas as the newly elected Prelate arrived at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, escorted by flag-bearing scouts from the local Homenetmen chapter. Serving at the altar were Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas, Rev. Fr. Barkev Balkevorian, who recently relocated to the United States, deacons and scribes from Los Angeles, and the church choir. Among the attendees at the Divine Liturgy were National delegates, members of the Board of Trustees, devoted community members, generous benefactors, and a large number of worshippers, all of whom were greeted by Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan as he extended a warm welcome to the newly appointed Prelate on his inaugural visit to the Armenian community in Las Vegas.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian delivered a heartfelt and engaging sermon with two key focal points. He touched upon the significance of the Feast of Pentecost, a moment when Jesus Christ’s ascension to heaven was marked by the descent of the Holy Spirit. The divine presence of the Holy Spirit has remained a permanent presence and protector in our world and the faithful, symbolizing the spiritual essence of the Armenian nation. H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian emphasized the presence of an illuminated altar in all Armenian Apostolic churches, representing the unshakable faith and steadfast dedication of Christian Armenians towards Heaven and the Holy Trinity. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of the Illuminator, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian expressed his hope that the altar of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church would stand as an eternal beacon, preserving the essence of Christian Armenia in Armenian communities across the globe.
At the conclusion of his sermon, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian expressed his gratitude towards the parish community of Las Vegas, the families of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as the administrators and volunteers. He underscored the significance of imparting our cultural and spiritual heritage and values to the younger generation, noting that this is a divine mission carried out by parishes located far from the central Western Prelacy headquarters, adding that “In reality these parishes are very close to our hearts.” H.E. Archbishop Khacherian also conveyed his sincere appreciation for the collective efforts made by all members of the community towards advancing our Armenian religious and national institutions.
Following the Divine Liturgy, H.E Archbishop Kegham Khacherian announced that the Las Vegas Armenian community will soon bid farewell to Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, the current Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church. Rev. Fr. Badoyan will be assuming the role of Pastor for the San Francisco Armenian community. Additionally, Rev. Fr. Barkev Balkevorkian, who has recently relocated to the United States, will be taking over as the new Pastor St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Las Vegas community had organized a special luncheon to celebrate the newly elected Prelate. The luncheon also provided H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian the opportunity to meet with the members of the Las Vegas community, receive their well-wishes, and offer his heartfelt fatherly blessings to all present.
ARS VERGIN KOUJAKIAN SATURDAY SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
On Friday, May 17, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, the day he arrived in Las Vegas from Los Angeles, accompanied by deacons convened a meeting with representatives and benefactors from the Las Vegas Armenian community. The following afternoon, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian presided over the commencement ceremony of the ARS “Shoushi” chapter Vergin Koujakian Saturday School. During the commencement ceremony H.E. Archbishop Khacherian conveyed his congratulations and delivered a heartfelt message, praising the commitment of the parents of students of the Saturday school who have faith and entrusted their children’s education to Armenian schools. He further expressed appreciation to the Executive body of the local ARS chapter, as well as the school administration, teachers, and staff, for their dedicated and selfless service.
While discussing the significance of the Armenian school, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian commended the selfless commitment of all those individuals involved in the establishment of a Saturday school at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in Las Vegas. He emphasized that this Armenian Saturday school serves as a oasis amidst the vast desert landscape of Las Vegas, preserving and fortifying our cultural heritage and spiritual values within the hearts and minds of the young generations of Armenian youth.
In the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian also presided over a work meeting that was attended by National delegates, members of the Board of Trustees, and the new Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, Rev. Fr. Barkev Balkevorian.
