On Saturday, September 14, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, together with Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, and Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian, Pastor of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, presided over a ceremony commemorating the 40-day resistance of Musa Dagh at the residence of Mr. Dikran Boghossian. The ceremony included performances of Armenian children’s dances and songs, capturing the spirit of the heroism of Armenians during their resistance. This ceremony, which coincides with the Feast of the Holy Cross, is a traditional annual commemoration in Armenian-populated communities worldwide, featuring traditional harissa and national folk festivities.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian first performed the blessing on the harissa and then commended the courageous and heroic spirit of the people of Musa Ler in the summer of 1915. Despite the most difficult period of the 20th century for Armenians, instead of surrendering and facing a massacre, the people of Musa Ler decided to fight for their freedom and courageously battled against the Ottoman Empire army.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian stated that the villagers and rebellious groups who sought shelter on Musa Ler showed great determination and Armenian strength by battling and resisting the Ottoman Army for more than 40 days, and were eventually rescued by French battleships. The Prelate urged for the courageous spirit of the Armenian villagers to be honored by future Armenian generations through annual commemorations of the collective heroism displayed by the people of Musa Ler.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian expressed his appreciation to the Boghosian family for graciously hosting this year’s commemoration, as well as the organizers, and attendees, conveying words of encouragement and fatherly blessings.
