The Prelate Presides Over Divine Liturgy And Luncheon
On the morning of Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated in all churches of the Western Prelacy. H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale. Following the service, the Prelate proceeded to Reflection Venue Hall in Glendale, where he presided over the traditional luncheon organized by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Western Prelacy, graciously hosted by benefactor of the Western Prelacy Mrs. Anahid Baghdadlian-Ohanesian and her daughter, Silvie Baghdadlian.
Among those in attendance were H.E. Archbishop Torkom Donoyan, Executive Council members Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian and Mrs. Elizabeth Boyajian, benefactors and friends of the Western Prelacy, family members, friends, and invited guests.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ladies Auxiliary member Mrs. Maral Keledjian, while Mrs. Sossy Guekguezian, the Vice-Chairwoman of the Ladies Auxiliary, served as the mistress of ceremonies, who invited the Prelate to bless the tables and address the gathering with his message.
Reflecting on both the spiritual and traditional significance of the Feast of the Ascension, Archbishop Khacherian noted that the celebration has long held a cherished place in Armenian communal life. He explained that, alongside its sacred meaning within the Armenian Church, the feast gradually evolved through the centuries into a joyful cultural celebration of womanhood, marked by color, joy, and tradition.
After addressing the Armenian Church’s understanding of the feast, the Prelate also reflected about its rich folk traditions, explaining that Armenian women of all ages would traditionally celebrate the day amidst blossoming spring nature by weaving red, green, and white flowers into wreaths worn upon their heads. Festivities would include meals shared together, singing, dancing, and the traditional rafffles in hopeful anticipation of good fortune. Archbishop Khacherian remarked that the Ladies Auxiliary had beautifully revived that traditional Armenian spirit through the thoughtfully organized luncheon held in the elegantly decorated hall, preserving the Armenian people’s centuries-old appreciation for nature, beauty, and faith. He also expressed his joy at the uplifting atmosphere and festive spirit that filled the gathering.
On this occasion, the Prelate offered special words of appreciation to the luncheon’s gracious host benefactor, Mrs. Anahid Baghdadlian-Ohanesian and her daughter Silvie Baghdadlian, commending their devotion to the Church and their continued generosity toward the Western Prelacy. He wished them continued good health, happiness, and abundant blessings.
The meticulously organized luncheon featured an abundance of traditional Armenian cuisine and desserts prepared in celebration of the Feast of the Ascension. The beautiful tradition of the Ladies Auxiliary luncheon was further enriched by Armenian folk songs performed by singer Mr. Hovhannes Balyan, while students of the Lilia Dance Studio warmed the hearts of attendees with several dance performances.
Throughout the luncheon, the traditional raffle was carried out with great enthusiasm, filling the hall with joy, warmth, and camaraderie among the Armenian women in attendance. Guests joined in singing beloved Armenian songs and festive melodies appropriate to the occasion. During the course of the luncheon, generous contributions were also made in support of the humanitarian and charitable programs of the Western Prelacy, toward the continued advancement and successful fulfillment of its mission and initiatives.
At the conclusion of the luncheon, Chairwoman of the Ladies Auxiliary Mrs. Vania Babikian delivered words of appreciation, first thanking Archbishop Khacherian for his presence and blessings, and then extending appreciation to all the Armenian women who participated in and supported the efforts of the Western Prelacy. Mrs. Babikian also offered special recognition to the members of the Ladies Auxiliary and its dedicated volunteers, praising their tireless spirit, commitment, and hard work, which she described as the foundation behind the success of the Ladies Auxiliary’s many initiatives.
