September 8, 2006

PRESS RELEASE

Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: prelacy@aol.com

Website:

ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
LET US CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN SCHOOL
DECLARED THE PRELATE

On the morning of Wednesday, September 6, the schools of the Western
Prelacy commenced the 2006-2007 academic year with traditional
ceremonies including opening prayer and remarks by principals and
directors. Since 2006 was declared "The Year of the Armenian School"
by H.H. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, the opening
ceremonies were marked with the Prelate’s message of "Let us celebrate
the year by highlighting the values of the Armenian school".

On this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
visited both the Encino and North Hills campuses of Ferrahian
School, while Prelacy Christian Education Department Co-Directors
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and Fr. Barthev Gulumian visited Rose
and Alex Pilibos High School and Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School
respectively. Parish priests visited schools in their parishes where
they conveyed the Prelate’s message to the administrators, staff,
and students.

The Prelate began his opening remarks by thanking the Lord for a safe
return to the academic year following summer break. He stressed that
the start of each academic year offers us the opportunity to highlight
the role that education and the Armenian School play in our collective
lives, adding that this year a special emphasis is placed on that
role in response to the Pontifical declaration of 2006 as the Year
of the Armenian School. "I am pleased that many of our schools have
already planned events in honor of the Armenian School, however, it
is my wish that we collectively celebrate the Year of the Armenian
School. It is also my wish that each individual student recognize
the value of attending an Armenian school, to learn our language
and history, and to participate in the advancement of our culture,
because this is the mission of the Armenian school. I pray to God to
grant strength and patience to our principals, directors, teachers,
administrators, and parents, to enrich the spirit and minds of our
youth. Finally, I pray to Almighty God to keep a watchful eye over our
schools and to bless the endeavors of the Board of Regents, donors,
organizations, and committees who contribute to the unwavering mission
of the Armenian School with their continuous and invaluable support."

The Prelate concluded by wishing success to the educators,
administrators, students, and parents during the academic year.