February 16, 2007

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: <;

WESTERN PRELACY SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS CELEBRATE VARTANANTS

On the afternoon of Sunday, February 11th, 2007, Sunday School
students from all Prelacy churches gathered at "Armenak Der Bedrossian" Hall
of St. Mary’s Church in Glendale to celebrate Vartanants. The gathering was
held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
In addition to the Prelate, Christian Education Department Directors Very
Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev Gulumian were in attendance, along
with St. Mary’s Church pastors Rev. Vazken Atmajian and Rev. Ardag
Demirjian.

In his welcoming remarks, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian spoke of
the sacrifice of St. Vartan and his companions in protecting our homeland
and our faith. About 1,500 years ago, the Armenian people united to reject
the Persian monarch Hazgerd; however, continued Hayr Muron, there are still
individuals like Hazgerd today who are trying to conquer our faith, thus
urging the youth to remain firm and unyielding in their faith.

Subsequently, students from each Sunday School in turn offered
recitations and songs in celebration of Vartanants.

In his closing remarks, the Prelate stated that gathering to
commemorate Vartanants centuries after the fact exhibits the renewal of our
faith and our determination to remain loyal to the vows of Sts. Vartan and
Ghevont. The Prelate then commended the students for their ability to truly
grasp and convey the meaning of Vartanants. In speaking of our individual
responsibilities, the Prelate explained to the students that it is our
obligation to willingly take on and successfully carry out our
responsibilities, and gave the example of clergy, educators, and individuals
in our Prelacy who undertake and complete their duties, specifically naming
Hayr Muron and Hayr Barthev for all their hard work

The Sunday School Directorate in turn expressed its gratitude
and thanks to the Rev. Fathers and to Sunday School Directors Hagop
Tchaghasspanian, Vartan Kebabjian, Raffi Torossian, Seta Kechejian, and
Taline Zomjian, whom the Prelate presented with mementos.

The program concluded with the Sunday School anthem.