In accordance with the tradition of collaboration and unity among the spiritual leaders of the Western Region, a Divine Liturgy in memory of the Armenian Genocide martyrs was held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral.
Attending the Divine Liturgy were Mr. George Chorbajian, Secretary of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, Ms. Dzovig Zetlian, member of the Executive Council, and Mr. Gaydzag Zetlian, member of the Central Executive Council of the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, Most Reverend Mikael Mouradian, Bishop of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States, and Rev. Henrik Shahnazaryan, Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Association of North America. Clergy members of the Western Prelacy also attended the Divine Liturgy.
The Divine Liturgy included an intercessory prayer service, followed by a sermon delivered by H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. Salutation addresses were offered by H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Most Reverend Bishop Mikael Mouradian, and Rev. Henrik Shahnazaryan.
Below is an excerpt from H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian’s address:
“Spiritual brothers and beloved children of our nation,
On this 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the darkest chapter in our modern Armenian history, we gather under the gaze of Almighty God and in the powerful presence of our tens of thousands of martyrs. Today is a call to purify our minds, our consciences, and our spirits in the crucible of the unwavering, crystal-clear faith of our sacred martyrs.
We must reject all divisive, individualistic, and denationalizing tendencies, choosing instead the righteous path and the legacy passed down to us by our sacred martyrs. The remembrance of our martyrs is a national call to unity, urging Armenians everywhere to rise above separatist, fragmentary, and individualistic tendencies, and come together, at least once a year, in shared purpose and solidarity around the sacred cause of our people.”
FOUR SIRITUAL LEADERS HOLD AN INTERCESSORY PRAYER IN FRONT OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MARTYRS MONUMENT
On the morning of Thursday, April 24, 2025, the four spiritual leaders of the Western Region once again joined in solemn prayer, this time before the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial in Montebello. H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, Most Reverend Mikael Mouradian, Bishop of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States, and Rev. Henrik Shahnazaryan, Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Association of North America, on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, led the intercessory prayer, and laid wreaths in eternal remembrance of the Armenian Genocide martyrs buried in unmarked graves.
Also in attendance were Mr. Jack Hadjinian and Ms. Dzovig Zetlian, members of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, along with numerous representatives from community organizations and unions, who paid tribute to the memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide by laying wreaths in front of the monument. H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian offered remarks on behalf of the spiritual leaders.
COMMUNITY MARCH TO THE TURKISH CONSULATE
Later that day, at 12:00 p.m., Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, Pastor of Holy Archangels Armenian Church of Crescenta Valley, represented H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian during a community march to the Turkish Consulate. Organized by the Armenian Youth Federation of the Western United States, the march drew large crowds who gathered in front of the Turkish consulate to voice their demands and hear messages in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian offered a prayer on behalf of the Prelate during the demonstration.
GLENDALE CITY HALL “DEMAND FOR JUSTICE” RALLY
At 5:30 p.m., H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian participated in the “Demand for Justice” community rally held in front of Glendale City Hall. On behalf of the four spiritual leaders, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian delivered a heartfelt message during the community rally.
SPECIAL TELEVISION BROADCAST
At 7:00 p.m., a special televised program aired on Glendale’s local station, dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. During the program, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian addressed the faithful, stressing the critical importance of continuing the struggle for justice, especially through the activism and commitment of younger generations, until the Armenian Cause is rightfully resolved, and the Armenian people receive just restitution.
Members of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy were also present at the April 24th commemorative community events, reaffirming their commitment to national remembrance and our collective cause.
