“WE ARE THE HEIRS OF THE UNWAVERING FAITH OF ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR,” SAID THE PRELATE
On the morning of Sunday, March 22, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of San Francisco on the occasion of the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s Descent into the Pit. In his sermon, the Prelate reflected on this defining moment in Armenian history, recalling St. Gregory’s thirteen-year imprisonment in the pit.
Highlighting key moments from the life of the First Catholicos of Christian Armenia and the nation’s Illuminator, Archbishop Khacherian emphasized that through the unwavering strength of his faith, St. Gregory was sustained by divine providence, surviving in the depths of the pit on a daily piece of bread until his eventual release. The Prelate further noted that, through the power of Jesus Christ, St. Gregory healed King Drtad of Armenia, becoming an instrument in God’s hands in the conversion of Armenia as the first Christian nation.
“We celebrate today with joy the entrance of St. Gregory the Illuminator into the pit, because that moment marked a historic turning point for our people and our homeland. Today, we stand before the world as the heirs of the unwavering faith of St. Gregory the Illuminator,” stated the Prelate.
Serving at the Holy Altar were, Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, along with deacons, scribes, and the choir. Following the Divine Liturgy, under the guidance of Archbishop Khacherian, the faithful proceeded to the church courtyard, where a requiem service was offered for the souls of the church’s departed founding benefactors and devoted servants. This was followed by the blessing of the offering (madagh) on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the church’s naming and consecration.
The Prelate then presided over the fellowship luncheon organized for the occasion. During the luncheon Archbishop Khacherian commended the dedication of the church community and their continued commitment to the spiritual and communal life of the parish. The Prelate also extended his congratulations on the church’s naming anniversary and to all those bearing the name Gregory, offering his fatherly guidance and blessings to the faithful.
