On Thursday, December 21, 2017, the first grade class of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School visited the Prelacy where they spread New Year and Christmas cheer with their festive program of songs and recitations. The students were joyfully greeted by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan and Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian. The students were accompanied by Principal Dr. Talin Kargodorian, Vice-Principal Mrs. Rita Kaprielian, Armenian teachers, and a group of parents.
The students first gathered at “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel where they joined the Prelate and clergy in reciting the Lord’s Prayer and participated in the singing of the Christmas hymn “Great and Marvelous Mystery.”
Next, decorative candles in hand, the students gathered at “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall where their program began with welcoming remarks by a few of their peers. The students expressed joy and thanks for their visit to the Prelacy, asked for the Prelate’s blessings, and stated that they would like to hear his message. The students also stated that they had learned the story of Jesus’ birth, that they are provided with Christian and Armenian education in school, and promised to be faithful to the legacy of St. Mesrob Mashdots and to our national heritage. Afterward they sang Christmas hymns and songs and recited poetry. It was a touching moment when through the mouths of the children came to life the words of the immortal Moushegh Ishkhan who in a letter to Santa Claus had asked for the return of Masis.
The Prelate expressed utmost joy at the students’ visit and commended their knowledge of Christ’s birth. He urged them to keep the legacy of St. Mesrob Mashdots alive, to speak Armenian and to pray, and let them know how much love and good cheer they had brought to the Prelacy with heir visit. His Eminence wished for their child-like goodness and innocence to permeate throughout mankind, and concluded by blessing them, their parents, administrators, and teachers.
The students presented gifts to the Prelate, while His Eminence gifted ornamental crosses and icon cards to the children and prayer books for the parents.