December 20, 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: [email protected]
Website:
HEEDING THE CALL OF H.H. CATHOLICOS ARAM I
PRELACY SCHOOL STUDENTS CELEBRATE
THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN SCHOOL
On the morning of Friday, October 15, 2006, students of Prelacy
Schools gathered at "Avedissian" Hall of Ferrahian High School to
celebrate the Year of the Armenian School, which His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, had proclaimed 2006 to be.
The gathering was held under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. The Prelate was in attendance along
with Clergy, Executive Council and Board of Regents representatives,
principals, teachers, and parents. The organizer of the event was the
Board of Regents and a special committee established for this purpose.
The gathering began at 10:30 a.m. with the pledges by Ferrahian
High School student Teny Issakhanian and opening remarks by Armenian
Mesrobian School student Araz Harboyan. Remarks were also made by
Executive Council Vice-Chair Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian and Board of
Regents Chair Mr. Avo Kechichian, both of whom noted how by heeding
the call of His Holiness, the students on various occasions celebrated
the Year of the Armenian School and the invaluable role the Armenian
School plays in the lives of all Armenians and especially in the
structuring of the new generation. The students’ message was delivered
by Mesrobian student Sevana Dimijian who beautifully characterized
the Armenian School and its livelihood by comparing it to a phoenix,
in the sense that both are continually reborn and renewed.
The artistic portion of the program consisted of Armenian folk dances
by Pilibos School students, group recitation by Ferrahian students,
group recitation and a play by Ari Guiragos Minassian School students,
and songs by the Chamlian School choir. Special guest singer Armen
Movsessian from Armenia also participated in the program with a set
of songs.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Mardirossian first thanked God
for offering the opportunity to have such a gathering to collectively
celebrate the Armenian School. He then offered appreciation to the
students and organizers for their remarkable efforts. Speaking on
the role and mission of the Armenian School, the Prelate remarked
"The Armenian School is a second home and a second homeland for us
all, an institution with familial warmth that spiritually bridges
us with our homeland, our heritage, and our spiritual and national
traditions. Poets have likened the Armenian School to a luminous
torch, the lighthouse of the mind and soul.
These few words illustrate beautifully the purpose and uniqueness of
the Armenian School where you learn our language, history, culture,
and values. The enthusiasm expressed in your performances today is
evidence of this fact.
It is true that this gathering today is the final official celebration
of the Armenian School for the year 2006.
However, the spirit and message will not end here, because His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I has proclaimed 2007 to be the Year of the Armenian
Language and because the Armenian language and culture are inseparable
and integral to the Armenian school. Therefore, the upcoming year
will be the direct continuation of today’s celebration, message, and
spirit. In the coming year, let us collectively celebrate the year
of the Armenian Language, just as we celebrated the Armenian School
throughout the year 2006. Let our students, teachers, principals,
and parents join hands to organize events that showcase the beauty
and preciousness of our language."
The Prelate concluded by noting that we are on the threshold of the
New Year and Christmas, and offered his prayers for God to fill our
hearts with love and peace during this festive time.
The gathering came to a close with the Prelate’s "Bahbanich" prayer
and the singing of "Giligia" by the Chamlian choir.