On the evening of Saturday, December 14, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the courtyard of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale. On this occasion H.E. addressed the crowd gathered around him and emphasized the importance of the involvement of Armenian families in the church community, stating that “the people are the church and the church is the people.” Archbishop Khacherian urged those in attendance to not only keep Armenian family traditions alive, but also to pass them down to future generations as a way to maintain our Armenian identity and ensure our national survival. The Prelate also observed that just as individuals create and maintain a joyous and festive atmosphere in their homes, our families have created a festive and joyous atmosphere in our church and community through the presence of their beautiful children and grandchildren, while preserving our traditions.
At the conclusion of his message, Archbishop Khacherian, accompanied by Christmas carols, invited the children present to join him in lighting the large Christmas tree, symbolizing the start of the New Year. The adorable children eagerly gathered around the tree and used their small hands to illuminate both the beautifully decorated tree and the large nativity scene, spreading joy throughout the festive atmosphere.
After lighting the Christmas tree, Archbishop Khacherian, along with Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, and the church pastors, walked around the festive booths situated in the church courtyard. They expressed their gratitude for the community’s involvement in the festive fair, where various festive items such as decorations, ornaments, woven goods, dishes, handcrafts, and colorful samples of Armenian embroidery were on display. The Prelate commended the national, historical, and traditional values exhibited at the fair and as a token of appreciation also made some symbolic purchases.
