On Thursday morning, February 12, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated the Feast of St. Vartanants at Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Encino, with the participation of Western Prelacy clergy from across Los Angeles and faithful parishioners from the local community
The celebrant of the Divine Liturgy was Rev. Fr. Megerditch Keshishian, Pastor of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale. In his sermon, Rev. Fr. Keshishian reflected on the historic war fought by the Armenian people against the Persian army in 451 AD, describing it as a struggle “for the faith and for the homeland,” and shared his reflections on its lasting symbolic significance.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the clergy led the congregation in spiritual and patriotic songs dedicated to the Feast of St. Vartanants.
The Divine Liturgy concluded with Archbishop Khacherian offering the prayer of the “Protector.”
