On Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over the Divine Liturgy and delivered a sermon at Holy Archangels Armenian Apostolic Church in Crescenta Valley. During the Divine Liturgy, and with the blessing of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, the Prelate granted the parish pastor, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, the privilege of bearing an ornamental cope. Archbishop Khacherian also offered a memorial service in remembrance of all departed members, past and present, whose devoted service supported the Crescenta Valley community and its church.
Present at the Divine Liturgy were members of the parish family, Central Executive Council member Mr. Gaidzag Zetlian and his wife Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian, a member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, along with faithful parishioners from the Crescenta Valley community.
The Holy Altar was served by the parish pastor, assisted by deacons and scribes, with the church choir led by the well-known tenor Mr. Berj Karazian.
During the first part of his sermon, Archbishop Khacherian invited the congregation to stand and listen attentively as the Pontifical encyclical of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I was read, formally granting Rev. Fr. Kirazian the right to bear an ornamental cope. Following the reading of the Pontifical encyclical, the Prelate shared that during His Holiness’ recent Pontifical visit to the Western Prelacy, he had personally requested that Rev. Fr. Kirazian be elevated to the second rank of priesthood. “At this moment, that honor has been realized through the Pontifical encyclical and the bestowal of the ornamental cope,” the Prelate added. With special prayers, Archbishop Khacherian blessed the kneeling priest and placed the cope upon his shoulders.
The Prelate then continued his sermon by reflecting on the true meaning of service. He explained that with the coming of Jesus Christ, the concept of service was transformed from self-centered service to service for all. The Prelate emphasized that Jesus Christ Himself set the perfect example by humbly entering the world and serving humanity, offering salvation from evil and new life to all who believed in Him.
