The Prelate Celebrates Divine Liturgy And Performes The Blessing Of
The Offering In St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church Of Hollywood
On Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy and performed the blessing of the offering (madagh) at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Hollywood, on the occasion of the Feast of St. John the Baptist. Serving at the altar were Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, together with deacons and scribes.
Among the large number of faithful parishioners in attendance were Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chairman of the Western Prelacy Executive Council, and his wife, Mrs. Hasmig Hovaguimian, Dr. Kaloust Agopian, member of the Executive Council, Western Prelacy benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Harout and Lena Soghomonian, Mr. Vahe Garabedian, Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian, and Mr. and Mrs. Hagop and Haiguhi Daglian. Also present were representatives of regional organizations, members of the Executive Boards of the ARS and Homenetmen, the principal of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, and members and friends of the parish community.
During the spiritually uplifting Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Khacherian read the 2026 Pontifical Proclamation bearing the seal of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, proclaiming the year as the “Year of the Renewal of Spiritual Life.”
The Prelate also performed the blessing of the offering and, on the occasion of the Feast of St. John the Baptist, conveyed his congratulations to the parish community and to all those bearing the names Hovhannes, Garabed, and Megerdich. The Prelate offered his well-wishes and blessings to the faithful parish community and encouraged them to remain firm and committed in their service to the Church.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Khacherian proceeded to the church hall, where he presided over a festive fellowship luncheon prepared for the occasion. In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the Prelate shared a meal with the devoted members of the St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church family. Accompanied by the prayer “Protector,” Archbishop Khacherian offered his fatherly blessings to all in attendance.
The Prelate, in his address, praised the volunteers and benefactors whose selfless service and moral and financial support have strengthened the religious and national life of the Hollywood community. In keeping with church tradition, Archbishop Khacherian then presented a special letter of blessing to one of the community’s devoted national figures, Mr. Mesrob Abrahamian, in recognition of more than forty years of service to the Church and dedicated involvement in the Armenian community. The Church Board of Trustees also honored Mr. Abrahamian with a commemorative plaque.
The program was further enriched by a special artistic program presented by students of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School and the parish Sunday School.
The celebration concluded with Archbishop Khacherian’s recitation of the prayer “Protector,” followed by his fatherly blessings to all those in attendance.
