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Western Prelacy - Student Gathering to Celebrate the Year of the Arm

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  • Western Prelacy - Student Gathering to Celebrate the Year of the Arm

    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: www.westernprelacy.org

    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.
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