On Sunday, December 13, 2015, members of the Prelacy family, clergy, councils, Sunday Schools’ directors, teachers, parents, and students gathered at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the establishment of Sunday Schools. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the celebration, which was organized by the Western Prelacy Sunday Schools’ Directorate.
The program began with the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the Armenian national anthem and Sunday School hymn performed collectively by the students. Directorate Co-Chair Mr. Raffi Torossian welcomed the guests and invited students from each Sunday School to present the hymns, songs, and recitations they had prepared. Eight Sunday Schools participated in the program, they were; Holy Cross (Montebello), Holy Martyrs (Encino), St. Mary’s (Glendale), St. Garabed (Hollywood), Forty Martyrs (Orange County), St. Sarkis (Pasadena), North Hollywood and Crescenta Valley parishes.
Directorate C-Chair Mr. Hagop Tchagaspanian presented an overview of the Sunday Schools’ mission.
The keynote speech was delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, who presented the history of Sunday Schools and spoke about how Sunday Schools and parents can work together for the spiritual and patriotic education of our youth to better prepare them for life and its challenges.
The Prelate delivered the closing message. His Eminence commended the hard work of the Directorate and Sunday School teachers and students in preparing and presenting the beautiful program, which he referred to as a demonstration of their faithfulness to God and His Word, adding “all that we do is for the perpetuity of our nation and the elevation of our church.” He concluded by congratulating the Sunday School family on their 85th anniversary and encouraging them to continue their valuable service to our church and youth with renewed faith and dedication.
The celebration came to a close with the benediction and “Cilicia.”
