Over the past weekend, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, visited the Las Vegas Armenian community in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the ARS Shoushi Chapter and Verjine Koujakian Saturday School of Las Vegas.
On Saturday, October 25, 2024, at 11:00 AM, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian visited the Verjine Koujakian Saturday School of Las Vegas. During his visit, the Prelate toured the classrooms, expressed his appreciation, encouraged the students, and presented each student with a copy of the bilingual prayer book “I Confess with Faith” by His Holiness St. Nerses the Gracious (Shnorhali).
On the same evening, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian presided over a celebratory dinner in honor of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the ARS Shoushi chapter in Las Vegas. Also in attendance were H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Rev. Fr. Barkev Balkevorkian, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas, Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, Pastor of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of San Francisco, Mr. Rostom Aintablian and Mr. Gaydzag Zetlian members of the Central Executive of the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia, Ms. Dzovig Zetlian, member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, delegates Arda Yemenidjian and Adroushan Armenian. Ms. Arousiag Melkonian, Chairlady and members Ani Keshishian & Zharmen Mirzakhanian of the ARS Central Executive, along with Ms. Christina Khanjian, Chairlady of the ARS Regional Executive Board, and Ms. Vicky Marashlian, Vice-Chairlady of the ARS Regional Executive Board, were also present at the dinner, as well as benefactors, friends, guests, and parishioners.
During the celebratory dinner, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian welcomed the guests, offered his blessing of the tables, expressed his appreciation for the evening hosts and sponsors, and congratulated the organizers. The Prelate then delivered his heartfelt message, drawing parallels between the image of the Armenian mother in the desert of Der Zor, teaching her child the Armenian alphabet on the desert sand, to that of the Armenian mother, Verjine Koujakian, in the desert of Las Vegas, who with her dedication and efforts laid the foundation of the ARS Saturday School in Las Vegas, aiming to spread the Armenian spirit and preserve the Armenian identity and culture within the new and rapidly growing Armenian community of Las Vegas.
Emphasizing the mission of the ARS, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian praised the women’s organization highlighting their exceptional role in the Armenian community, and recognizing their contributions through humanitarian and patriotic efforts, that manifest the virtues and skills of Armenian women.
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY
On the morning of Sunday, November 27, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas alongside Rev. Fr. Barkev Balkevorkian and Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan. Deacons and scribes served at the altar. Among those in attendance at the Divine Liturgy were Mr. Rostom Aintablian and Mr. Gaydzag Zetlian members of the Central Executive of the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia, Ms. Dzovig Zetlian, member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, delegates Arda Yemenidjian and Adroushan Armenian, Ms. Arousiag Melkonian, Chairlady and members Ani Keshishian and Zharmen Mirzakhaian of the ARS Central Executive, along with Ms. Christina Khanjian, Chairlady of the ARS Regional Executive Board, and Ms. Vicky Marashlian, Vice-Chairlady of the ARS Regional Executive Board, as well as devoted parishioners.
During his sermon, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian focused on the significance of the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross and recounted the historical account of Queen Heghineh’s role and efforts in discovering the Cross of Jesus Christ. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized the importance of revealing truths and stressed that the truth cannot be concealed or suppressed but must be brought to light in life.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a luncheon was organized with members of the parish and representatives from local bodies and organizations.
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of both institutions, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian extended his congratulations to the community leaders. The Prelate expressed gratitude to all the benefactors and volunteers, specifically recognizing the Koujakian and Yemenidjian families for their dedication and contributions to the prosperity of the church and community. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian offered his best wishes and expressed his confidence that this longstanding oasis in the desert will continue to thrive and prosper in serving our national and church communities.
