On Thursday, November 14, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, received a congratulatory visit from Deacon Raffi Garabedian, who under the direction of the previous and current Prelates of the Western Prelacy, has been offering spiritual and moral support to Armenian prisoners in California since 1994, fulfilling his Christian duty admirably, by providing exceptional assistance in service to God.
During the visit, Deacon Raffi Garabedian conveyed his congratulations to H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian on his election as the Prelate of the Western Prelacy and provided an update on his visits to prisons. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian shared his appreciation for Deacon Garabedian’s valuable service to Armenian prisoners who, unfortunately, are facing the most challenging times in their lives. The Prelate emphasized the importance of Deacon Garabedian’s quiet and humble service, highlighting its significance to our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to our world to save sinners. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian described Deacon Garabedian’s work as a crucial component and a link to God’s plan for salvation.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian also conveyed the importance of transforming the Christian service for Armenian prisoners from a recreational activity to a professional program. The Prelate expressed his aspiration to establish this apostolic service as an institutional structure, by preparing new volunteers to sustain the program. In addition to providing spiritual and moral support, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian also emphasized the importance of offering psychological, emotional, social, and other forms of service to address the prisoners’ needs comprehensively.
At the end of the meeting, the Prelate gave his fatherly blessings to Deacon Raffi Garabedian, hoping for strength and vigor in his duties, as well as freedom for all Armenian prisoners worldwide.
