On Sunday, June 30, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of Montebello, on the occasion of the Feast of Pentecost. During his sermon, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian expressed his congratulations and best wishes to His Holiness Aram I on the 29th anniversary of his election and consecration as Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Dean of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of Montebello, along with Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, Pastor, deacons, scribes and the church choir served at the altar.
During his sermon H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, in celebration of the Feast of Pentecost, shared a passage from the book of hymns, stating “Disciples of Christ, who were dispatched to every corner of the world, implore on our behalf before the Lord. You who were entrusted to preach the gospel to the world without trepidation, mediate on our behalf before the Lord. You who were privileged to witness the incarnation of the Son of God, intercede on our behalf before the Lord.” H.E. Archbishop Khacherian also mentioned that as per our calendar, yesterday we celebrated the Feast of the Twelve Apostles of Christ and the Thirteenth Apostle, St. Paul. The Prelate delved into the significance of the term “apostle” and expounded how Jesus Christ handpicked his twelve disciples, imparting divine teachings to them for three years, educated them on heavenly commandments, and when the time came, empowered by the Holy Spirit, they became witnesses and disseminated of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the four corners of the world.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian further remarked that the apostles went on to establish and build churches, spread the word and teachings of God, and ultimately faced martyrdom. These churches, characterized by their apostolic roots, also include the Armenian Apostolic Church, established in Armenia by disciples of Christ, apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized the historical significance of apostolicism within Christianity, noting the Armenian Church’s steadfast preservation of this tradition over time. He underscored the importance of safeguarding and preserving this rich legacy, and called upon all to be mindful in protecting this legacy given to us and to pass it down from generation to generation.
During the Divine Liturgy, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian and the clrrgy expressed their congratulations to His Holiness Aram I on the 29th anniversary of his election and consecration as Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia. They conveyed their well wishes through the singing of a special hymn, reading of the Bible, and a prayer to God, wishing His Holiness Aram I good health, continued success, and impactful service in the years to come.
After the Divine Liturgy, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian presided over a luncheon that was organized in recognition of his first official visit to the Montebello Armenian community. At the luncheon, the Prelate broke bread with both religious and secular leaders as well as members of the community. Additionally, he was presented with a cake as a gesture of welcome and celebration for his inaugural visit to the Montebello Armenian community.
