“I Bow Before The Charitable Spirit Of The People
Of The Western Prelacy,” Archbishop Kegham Khacherian
On Tuesday evening, January 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., at the initiative of the Western Prelacy Religious and Executive Councils, the traditional Prelate’s New Year and Christmas Dinner was held at Baghramian Hall of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Montebello. The dinner was presided over by H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, and was attended by official guests, clergy, and representatives of religious, national, educational, cultural, and charitable institutions, as well as representatives from parishes, Prelacy Armenian Schools, affiliated bodies, and benefactors.
With approximately 500 guests in attendance, the annual New Year and Christmas Dinner was once again organized by the Western Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary.
Responding to Archbishop Khacherian’s recommendation, Western Prelacy benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Harout and Lena Soghomonian assumed the role of primary sponsors of the 2026 Christmas Dinner, in memory of their brother, pan-Armenian benefactor and church-building national figure, the late Hrayr Soghomonian.
Among the invited guests were members of the Central Executive Council, Mr. Rostom Aintablian and Mr. Gaidzag Zetlian, the Western Prelacy Religious Council, clergy, the Executive Council and its affiliated bodies, parish Boards of Trustees, the Board of Regents, Prelacy Armenian School principals, directors, and administrators, representatives of community organizations, and leaders of educational and community institutions.
The opening remarks were delivered by Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, who also served as master of ceremonies. Following welcoming remarks by Mrs. Vania Babikian, Chairwoman of the Ladies Auxiliary, the clergy of the Western Prelacy entered the hall led by Archbishop Khacherian, accompanied by hymns that created a festive atmosphere, filling the hall with the spirit of the Holy Nativity.
After the collective proclamation of the Good News of the Birth of Jesus Christ, the traditional tatakh ceremony of wine and consecrated bread took place, followed by the blessing of the tables by the Prelate. Guests then viewed a recorded video message from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. In his message, His Holiness shared his positive impressions from his Pontifical Visit to the Western Prelacy during the final months of the previous year and concluded with the following remarks:
“I can say without hesitation, ‘I came, I saw, and I prevailed.’ Indeed, we prevailed together, and together we overcame the difficulties of the past. Before us now lies a vast field of work. Let us not waste our time on words and criticism, but enrich it through work and action. Our responsibilities are many and diverse, from schools to churches, from the need for new clergy to the engagement of our youth. I assure you that the Great House of Cilicia will remain by your side, always supportive and collaborative.”
On behalf of the Western Prelacy Executive Council, Vice Chair Mr. Jack Hadjinian delivered remarks in English. Prior to Archbishop Khacherian’s address, Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, presented the biography of the late Hrayr Soghomonian, highlighting his lifelong devotion to the Armenian nation and church, as well as his enduring legacy.
In his address, the Prelate expressed deep appreciation to all present for their support of Western Prelacy’s programs and for their dedicated service. He also thanked everyone involved in the organization of His Holiness Aram I’s Pontifical Visit to the Western Prelacy last October and November, reflecting on the significance of those days and emphasizing the importance of broad community participation. Archbishop Khacherian publicly commended the entire Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School family in Crescenta Valley, administration, faculty, students, and parents, for earning the prestigious “Blue Ribbon” recognition from the highest federal educational authority of the United States.
Reiterating his appreciation for the human resources of the Western Prelacy, Archbishop Khacherian noted that the clearest acknowledgment of the communities participation and benefactor support was reflected in the written and spoken appreciation of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, as well as the praise expressed in his video message to all structures and bodies of the Western Prelacy. The Prelate observed that, through these remarks of praise, His Holiness effectively granted the Western Prelacy its second “Blue Ribbon.” Sharing his personal testimony, the Prelate stated, “Over time, we had heard of this community’s generosity. When I became Prelate, I saw the clear imprint and impact of your work, and when His Holiness Catholicos Aram I visited, I personally bore witness to your devoted service and selfless commitment. Therefore, I bow before this charitable community and offer my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.”
Continuing in English, Archbishop Khacherian also expressed appreciation to the Forest Lawn Board of Trustees present at the dinner, as well as to the primary sponsors, the Soghomonian family, and their brother Hrayr Soghomonian, noting that “his memory will remain unforgettable in our pan-Armenian life.” He extended his appreciation to the clergy of the Western Prelacy, the Executive Council, and the broader Western Prelacy family, including churches, schools, organizations, and institutions. His most heartfelt appreciation was directed to the community at large, as he reflected on the success of the dinner held shortly after the Pontifical Visit and remarked, “How is it possible to remain silent and not bow before the charitable spirit of you all?”
Archbishop Khacherian then announced Dr. Eric Esrailian as the sponsor of the Western Prelacy Christian Education Program for 2026 and shared that, in keeping with a tradition established by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the year 2026 has been proclaimed the “Year of the Renewal of Spiritual Life.”
The Prelate also noted the special effort made to increase youth participation at the dinner and thanked the many young people in attendance. Emphasizing the mission of the Western Prelacy and recognizing the extensive work being carried out, he described the Prelate’s Dinner as “the pulse of community gathering and unity,” calling on all present to keep that pulse strong and vibrant so the entire community may continue its journey forward as a powerful, united, organized, and forward-looking Armenian community rooted in charitable values.
The evening concluded with Archbishop Khacherian inviting the primary benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. Harout and Lena Soghomonian, along with Executive Council Chairman Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, to the stage, where a special commemorative gift was presented to the benefactor couple in honor of the immortal memory of the great Hrayr Soghomonian. The Prelate then invited all guests to join in singing “Cilicia.”
The artistic portion of the evening featured performances by Rouben Haroutunian and his ensemble.
