On Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, and organized by the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Western Prelacy, the traditional New Year’s and Christmas Luncheon-boutique was held at the Stars on Brand banquet hall. In attendance were Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian, member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, Mr. Haroutune Odabashian, Delegate of Holy Archangels Church, representatives of community organizations and boards of trustees, benefactors of the Western Prelacy’s humanitarian programs, and guests, totaling approximately 200 attendees.
On behalf of the organizing committee, Mrs. Sossi Geukgeozian, Vice-Chairwoman of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, welcomed the guests to the luncheon. Opening remarks were delivered by committee Ms. Maral Keledjian, who expressed appreciation to the Prelate, the members of the Executive Council, and the luncheon’s honorary host, Mrs. Angel Melkonian, along with her family and guests. Ms. Keledjian also thanked the Armenian women benefactors of the Western Prelacy and all those in attendance, wishing everyone the joy of sharing a festive gathering together.
In his address, Archbishop Khacherian spoke warmly about Western Prelacy benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Houri Melkonian, acknowledging their commitment to church building efforts and their devoted service to the community and the nation. The Prelate explained that, at his recommendation, Mrs. Angel Melkonian was selected as the honorary host of the luncheon, noting that the well-known community benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Houri Melkonian recently made a major contribution toward the establishment of the Holy Archangels Church in Crescenta Valley, in memory of their late father, Mr. Melkon Melkonian, and in honor of their beloved mother, Mrs. Angel Melkonian.
In the Prelate’s words, “Following His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s visit to the Western Prelacy, the benefactor couple made an unexpected additional contribution, which allowed the completion of the three altars of the newly built church in the shortest time possible. Thanks to this generous act, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I consecrated the main altar during a special ceremony while visiting the Crescenta Valley community.” The Prelate added, “As a symbol of appreciation for the Melkonian family’s dedication to the Church, we wished to recognize and honor the family’s mother, Mrs. Angel Melkonian, a devoted supporter of the Church and an Armenian educator, whose faith and Armenian upbringing guided her son and daughter-in-law to undertake the noble mission of building an Armenian church in Crescenta Valley. With the endorsement of the Western Prelacy, the Crescenta Valley church was named in honor of the benefactor couple’s mother.”
At the conclusion of his remarks, Archbishop Khacherian presented Mrs. Angel Melkonian with a special certificate of appreciation and one of the rare treasures of the Armenian Church, a beautifully reproduced copy of the Gospel manuscript of Catholicos Constantine I of Partserpert of the Cilician Catholicosate, illustrated by the renowned Armenian miniaturist Giragos. The Prelate also praised the dedicated work of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and wished the members continued success in sustaining this meaningful tradition.
The luncheon program featured the secondary school student choir of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, which once again performed Christmas songs, creating a warm and festive atmosphere under the direction of the school’s music teacher, Mrs. Lusine Meliksetyan, with coordination by Mrs. Gassia Mahseredjian.
The traditional Santa Claus made a timely appearance and delighted the guests, while students and their instructor from Lilia Dance Studio presented a classical ballet performance that captivated the audience.
The luncheon also provided guests with the opportunity to do their Christmas shopping at the booths set up throughout the hall and to purchase gifts for their loved ones.
At the end of the luncheon official program, guests joined in singing Christmas carols and inspired by the holiday spirit, made heartfelt donations.
