The Prelate Celebrates Divine Liturgy, Delivers A Sermon, And
Performs The Blessing Of The Grapes At The Armenian Home In Fresno
On Sunday morning, August 9, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, as part of his two-day visit to the Armenian community of Fresno, celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon of the day, and performed the traditional Blessing of the Grapes in the courtyard of the Armenian Home, where the Pastor and Board of Trustees of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church had organized their traditional two-day Blessing of the Grapes picnic in celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God.
Serving at the Holy Altar, which had been erected in the courtyard, were Very Rev. Fr. Ashod Khachadourian, Pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Executive Council member Deacon Mark Shirin, along with deacons and scribes, who, under the guidance of Archbishop Khacherian, filled the hearts of the large gathering of faithful with the profound spiritual message conveyed through the sacred hymns.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Prelate performed the Blessing of the Grapes and delivered his sermon, drawing a connection between the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God and the traditional significance of the Blessing of the Grapes. Archbishop Khacherian noted that for centuries, the Armenian people have regarded the grape as a source of life, one that is life giving and symbolic of vitality. In this context, the Prelate explained that the Holy Virgin Mary likewise became a vessel in God’s plan of salvation when she gave birth to Jesus Christ, the Supreme Savior of the world and all humanity. As the Mother of God, she assumed the sacred intercessory role between humanity and Jesus Christ.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Prelate joined the faithful for a fellowship luncheon on the same grounds and extended his fatherly blessings to all those in attendance. Archbishop Khacherian had similarly shared his fatherly blessings the previous afternoon, Saturday, August 8, upon his arrival in Fresno, when he was welcomed by members of the Fresno Armenian community at the Armenian Home and conveyed to them his warm fatherly greetings and appreciation. The Prelate also held a special meeting and discussion with Lucy Kazanjian Grayson, President of the Board of Directors of the Armenian Home.
On Monday morning, August 11, Archbishop Khacherian paid a visit to national benefactor Mrs. Anoush Chamlian at her residence, where members of her family had also gathered. During the visit, Very Rev. Fr. Ashod Khachadourian offered a prayer, after which the Prelate expressed his appreciation and bestowed his fatherly blessings upon Mrs. Chamlian, her daughter, and their family, wishing them every blessing and continued well-being.
At noon, the Prelate also held a working meeting with the Board of Trustees of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, during which he was briefed on the activities and initiatives being carried out within the community. Archbishop Khacherian offered his guidance and recommendations and, at the conclusion of his two-day visit to the Fresno Armenian community, returned to Los Angeles.
