On the morning of Sunday, April 12, 2026, following the Divine Liturgy, a requiem service was held in all churches of the Western Prelacy for the repose of the soul of the late Archbishop Datev Sarkissian, a senior member of the Great House of Cilicia.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale and, following the service, presided over the requiem service marking the fortieth day of Archbishop Datev Sarkissian’s passing.
In his sermon, the Prelate reflected on the life and service of the late Archbishop Sarkissian, noting that in addition to being a devoted clergyman, he was among the esteemed fathers of the Great House of Cilicia. Archbishop Sarkissian served faithfully in Aleppo and later in Lebanon, where he held the role of Dean of the Seminary of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia. He subsequently served the Armenian community of California for nearly a decade as Prelate of the Western Prelacy.
Archbishop Khacherian also highlighted that throughout his years of service, Archbishop Datev Sarkissian was known for his noble character, his measured approach in times of difficulty, and his forward-looking spirit toward the future. “Archbishop Datev Sarkissian also passed on his personal qualities and character to those he ordained, one of whom is myself,” stated Archbishop Khacherian.
The Prelate concluded by inviting the faithful to join in prayer for both the departed and the serving clergy, asking that the souls of the departed rest in heavenly peace and that those spiritual fathers continuing in service be strengthened in their spiritual mission.
