On the evening of Sunday, September 20, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, attended the fundraising gala organized by the Hamazkayin Western U.S. Regional Executive. Held at the Taglyan Complex in Los Angeles, the event sought to raise $500,000 toward the renovation and interior improvements of the Hamazkayin Aris Stambolian Cultural Center.
On this occasion, Archbishop Khacherian delivered heartfelt remarks, first expressing his surprise that Hamazkayin, despite decades of dedicated service within the Armenian community of Los Angeles, had not had a permanent home of its own until two years ago. Reflecting on the establishment of the Hamazkayin Aris Stambolian Cultural Center, the Prelate expressed his deep appreciation to benefactor Mr. Aris Stambolian for his initial major contribution toward the purchase of the center bearing his name, as well as for his continued support of its renovation and improvement.
“This spirit of philanthropy, through its ongoing nature, enables the greater Hamazkayin family in this region to become the active and vibrant steward of its own home, dedicated to the preservation and advancement of Armenian identity and national culture in Los Angeles,” the Prelate noted.
Archbishop Khacherian warmly congratulated the Hamazkayin Regional Executive, benefactor Mr. Aris Stambolian, and all those whose financial and moral support contributed to the realization of Hamazkayin’s long-held dream of establishing a permanent home in the Western Region.
The Prelate also commended the persistent efforts of successive Hamazkayin Regional Executives and devoted members of the community whose dedication helped make the establishment of a permanent cultural center possible. Archbishop Khacherian praised the commitment and organizational diligence of the current Regional Executive and Hamazkayin members, and wished the greater Hamazkayin family continued success in carrying forward its diverse cultural activities from generation to generation.
Alongside its traditional and nationally inspired programs, Archbishop Khacherian expressed his hope that Hamazkayin would continue to foster new cultural initiatives enriched by contemporary artistic expression. At the conclusion of his remarks, the Prelate bestowed his fatherly blessings upon all those present.
It should be noted that the Hamazkayin Gala ultimately raised $600,000.
