On Sunday evening, April 19, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over the Golden Jubilee concert marking the 50th anniversary of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale. The concert was sponsored by Western Prelacy benefactor Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian and his children, in memory of their beloved wife and mother, the late Satik Der Ohanessian. The concert was organized by the church leadership under the direction of Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church.
In attendance were former Prelates of the Western Prelacy H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and H.E. Archbishop Torkom Donoyan, members of the clergy, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Ms. Anna Avetisyan, Western Prelacy Executive Council Chairman Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian and his wife Hasmig, members of the Executive Council, the sponsoring benefactor Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian and his family, representatives of community organizations, benefactors of the Western Prelacy, and a large audience of performing arts enthusiasts.
The concert titled “Golden Jubilee” commenced following the opening remarks by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian. True to its name, the program stood out for its elegance and musical diversity, under the artistic direction of Honored Artist of Armenia, tenor Berj Kirazian. The evening featured a talented ensemble of professional singers and musicians who presented solo, duet, and choral performances of Armenian and international classical pieces, accompanied by pianists Armine Derderian and Hripsime Rshdouni.
The nearly two-hour program unfolded as a rich and artistic musical experience, opening with a moving choral prayer that included Yegmalian’s “Amen, Holy Father” and Berberian’s “Christ is Among Us.” The program continued with folk and national songs by Gomidas, Ganachian’s “Lullaby,” and selections from renowned international composers. The final segment of the concert returned to Armenian composers, Harutyunyan, Avetisyan, Tigranian, Gomidas, Ganachian, Khachaturian, and Petrosyan, concluding with Hovhannisyan’s “Yerevan–Erebuni.”
A special highlight of the evening was the appearance of Armenia’s distinguished pianist and educator Svetlana Navasardyan, whose performances of Armenian works were met with warm and enthusiastic applause. The audience also enjoyed performances by young student singers who took the stage individually to present Armenian and international selections.
From the opening prayer to the final national choral piece, the concert held the full attention of nearly 1,000 attendees, who experienced both spiritual and artistic fulfillment and showed their appreciation for a thoughtfully and beautifully organized celebration of the 50th anniversary of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Khacherian commended the careful preparation, presentation, and overall quality of the performances. The Prelate first offered thanks to God for the opportunity to witness such a meaningful concert, then acknowledged the presence of the former Prelates of the Western Prelacy, members of the clergy, and the Executive Council Chairman and members. Archbishop Khacherian also expressed sincere appreciation to the sponsoring benefactor family, all benefactors of the Western Prelacy, the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, the clergy, Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, and the dedicated members of the church community.
Archbishop Khacherian also praised the director of the concert and all participants, including the students, professional singers, and pianists, with special recognition given to Ms. Svetlana Navasardyan. The Prelate reserved his highest praise for the faithful congregation of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, noting that their faith, devotion, and presence continue to sustain and strengthen the church. Archbishop Khacherian concluded by encouraging the largest church of the Western Prelacy to continue its 50-year journey in the same spirit, expressing his hope that, through unity, faith, and collective effort, the leadership and faithful of the Armenian community will continue to build upon and enrich the Western Prelacy’s proud legacy in the years ahead.
