The Western Diocese Of The Armenian Church Represented At The 44Th Annual Red Mass

Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, Pastor of St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles, attended the 44th Annual Red Mass on October 28, 2026, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, representing His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the Right Rev. Alexei Smith, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, graciously acknowledged Archbishop Derderian’s representation.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Matthew Elshoff, OFM Cap., Auxiliary Bishop of the Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Region. The homily was delivered by Fr. Dan Lackie, O.F.M., Pastor of Mission Santa Barbara. The closing remarks were offered by the Honorable Sergio C. Tapia II, Presiding Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

The Red Mass has a long history dating back to medieval Europe. It was first celebrated in Paris in 1245 and later became an established tradition at Westminster Abbey in England during the reign of King Edward I. Its name derives from the scarlet robes traditionally worn by judges. The first American Red Mass was celebrated in New York City on October 6, 1928.

Traditionally held at the beginning of the judicial year, the Red Mass brings together judges, attorneys, public officials, and legal professionals of different faiths to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in the administration of justice.