“The People, With Olive Branches, Welcomed The King Of Peace, Seated
Upon A Donkey, In His Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem,” Said The Prelate
On Sunday, March 29, 2026, all churches of the Western Prelacy celebrated the Feast of Palm Sunday. Hundreds of faithful, along with young children of the community, gathered to celebrate this occasion, reflecting the blossoming of human souls through Jesus Christ.
On the Feast of Palm Sunday, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy at Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Encino. Among those present were Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chairman of the Executive Council, and his wife; Executive Council member Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian and her husband, Mr. Gaidzag Zetlian, Central Executive member; community benefactor Dr. Mike Sarian and his wife; along with the faithful community.
Prior to the festive procession, Archbishop Khacherian extended his Palm Sunday congratulations to the Armenian community, recognizing the church’s floral setting and the children’s joyful and radiant presence in their new festive attire. In his sermon, the Prelate reflected on the spiritual meaning of the Feast of Palm Sunday, emphasizing that Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the final phase of Christ’s incarnation and proclaims to all humanity the victory of the King of Peace over the material world.
Expanding on this theme, Archbishop Khacherian explained that the prophecies recorded in the symbol-rich pages of Holy Scripture reveal God’s plan not only to those living on earth, but also offer believers a deeper understanding and insight of God’s plan for humanity. Through this insight, the Prelate noted, we are better prepared to face the challenges encountered in daily human life. Archbishop Khacherian further stressed that the innocent blood shed by the Son of God offers salvation from eternal loss, provided that we believe in Jesus Christ and live a life pleasing to God, in accordance with His teachings.
Continuing his remarks, Archbishop Khacherian added that the festive atmosphere symbolized by the olive branches will soon give way to the final earthly chapter of Christ’s life, His suffering, crucifixion, and death. In the coming days, the faithful will relive these events through the Armenian Church, preparing to welcome the glorious miracle of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ the following Sunday, the greatest and most unparalleled feast of the salvation of our souls. At the conclusion of the spiritually uplifting service, clergy and faithful together glorified God in prayer and extended warm Palm Sunday greetings to one another.
Later that evening, Archbishop Khacherian presided over the “Opening of the Portals” (Trnbatsk) service. Through prayerful hymns and reflections, the Prelate reflected on the meaning of knocking at the door of heaven, emphasizing that Jesus Christ Himself is the door through which the faithful, those purified by His blood, may enter heaven and inherit eternal life.
