On Sunday, January 11, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church in Las Vegas. In observance of the church’s name day, the Prelate delivered a sermon and performed the blessing of the offering (madagh). He conveyed his fatherly blessings and congratulations to the parish community and extended his congratulations to all those bearing the names Hovhannes, Garabed, and Megerdich.
During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Khacherian opened his sermon by reflecting on the words of the prophet Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, from the Gospel of Luke (76–78): “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people through the forgiveness of their sins. Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Sunrise shall visit us from on high.” The Prelate shared that a similar prophecy was fulfilled in the life of the Holy Virgin Mary, who was granted the blessing of giving birth to Jesus Christ, and recalled the prophecy addressed to St. Anne at the birth of her only child, Mary.
Reflecting on these prophetic events, the Prelate emphasized that the prophecy concerning John the Baptist is an essential part of God’s plan of salvation. John the Baptist prepared the way for the true Savior, Jesus Christ, and through his mission, the implementation of God’s plan of salvation began. Drawing on additional biblical references, Archbishop Khacherian described John the Baptist as a courageous and righteous servant of God who lived a life of humility and simplicity, faithfully carrying out the divine responsibility entrusted to him. This was most clearly revealed when he baptized Jesus Christ and, pointing to Him, declared, “I am not the one; He is the Chosen One,” affirming Christ as the Son of God sent for the salvation of humanity.
The Prelate expressed his joy at seeing the presence of youth in the church, along with members of the Homenetmen organization, encouraged parents and grandparents to continue guiding their children and grandchildren to church. On this joyful occasion of the church’s name day, he congratulated the parishioners and the Armenian community of the region and bestowed his fatherly blessings upon all.
In celebration of the name day, Archbishop Khacherian also performed the blessing of the offering. Serving at the altar were Rev. Fr. Barkev Balkevorkian, pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, together with deacons, scribes, and the choir, whose sacred hymns enriched the parishioners with spiritual and heavenly blessings.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Prelate presided over a fellowship luncheon in the church hall, attended by members of the parish and representatives of the local community. Throughout the luncheon, remarks were shared offering congratulations and best wishes for the continued growth and prosperity of the church and the Armenian community in the region.
At the conclusion of the luncheon, Archbishop Khacherian offered reflections on loving one another, living in unity, and moving forward through cooperation and mutual respect. He then shared his fatherly blessings and concluded the gathering with the “Der Voghormia,” the Lord’s Prayer.
