On Sunday, April 13, 2025, all the churches of the Western Prelacy came together in a spirit of reverence and joy to celebrate the Feast of Palm Sunday, a sacred occasion marking the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. This celebration, cherished by both adults and children, is celebrated annually with deep devotion. Young and old alike, adorned in their Sunday best, participated in the day’s joyous and meaningful tradition.
On this holy occasion of Palm Sunday, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy at Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Encino. Attending the Divine Liturgy were Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, and his wife, Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian, member of the Executive Council, Mr. Gaydzag Zetlian, representative of the Central Executive Council of the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia, and a large congregation of faithful parishioners.
Before the symbolic children’s procession, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian delivered a sermon reflecting on the profound meaning of Palm Sunday for the Christian world. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized that Christ’s entry into Jerusalem was the fulfillment of God’s word as recorded in the Old Testament and foretold through the prophets. The Prelate noted that Jesus Christ did not present himself as a king to claim power over Jerusalem, but rather as the messenger of the eternal Kingdom of Heaven. Riding humbly on a donkey and greeted with olive branches, a symbol of peace, Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem not to seek glory by proclaiming Himself as the king of the Jewish people, but to carry out God’s plan of salvation.
In speaking about the children’s procession, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian highlighted its spiritual symbolism and cited the words of the Apostle Paul, “Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults” (1 Corinthians 14:20). The Prelate then turned to the sacred significance of Holy Week, which follows Palm Sunday, encompassing the Suffering, Crucifixion, and Death of Jesus Christ, culminating in His glorious and divine Resurrection. “Through the Resurrection,” stated H.E. Archbishop Khacherian, “Heaven once again embraced mankind, and through Jesus the Savior, the gates of paradise were reopened.” The Prelate affirmed that Jesus Christ is the one true path to salvation, and that those who believe in Him shall not perish, but shall inherit eternal life and live in the Heavenly Kingdom.
The spiritually uplifting Divine Liturgy filled the hearts of the faithful with prayers and sacred hymns of the Armenian Church. Led by the Prelate, the children’s procession inspired joy and reflection, as the church and faithful parishioners united in worship, glorified God in prayer, and shared heartfelt Palm Sunday wishes to one another.
Following the Divine Liturgy H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian performed the Opening of the Gate (Terenpatsek) ceremony.
OPENING OF THE GATE CEREMONY AT ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH, GLENDALE
Later that evening, at 6 p.m., H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian presided over the Opening of the Gate ceremony at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale. In his sermon, the Prelate reflected on the deep spiritual significance of the ceremony, noting its direct connection to the “Last Judgment” as described in Scripture. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized that the sole path to salvation is through Jesus Christ Himself. Quoting the Lord’s words, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian proclaimed, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved” (John 10:9), affirming hope and salvation that define the Christian faith.
