On the morning of Friday, February 24, 2012, the graduating class of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School visited the Prelacy where they were welcomed by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, and Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian. The students were accompanied by Principal Mr. Vazken Madenlian, Vice-Principal Mrs. Rita Kaprielian, teachers and parents.
Upon their arrival, the students, teachers, and parents gathered at the “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel where they participated in a prayer service and received Holy Communion from the Prelate.
After breakfast and a group photo taken in the Prelacy courtyard, the students headed to the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall where they presented a cultural program of recitations, music, and song.
Student Council President Talish Babayan expressed thanks and gratitude to the Prelate on behalf of the students for his leadership and guidance.
Principal Vazken Madenlian also participated in the cultural program with a musical performance on the piano. In his message, he expressed gratitude for the closeness that exists between the Prelacy and Chamlian School, both physically and spiritually, and the care that the school receives from the Prelacy. Speaking of the students’ upcoming trip to Armenia, he expressed gratitude that he will once again be joining them on their pilgrimage. He concluded by presenting the Prelate with a token of appreciation and thankfulness, an artwork symbolizing the “Year of the Armenian Book” proclaimed by H.H. Catholicos Aram I.
Reflecting on a poem by Vahan Tekeyan dedicated to Vartanants that the students recited earlier, the Prelate noted that the spirit of Vartan lives on in our people until this day, and in the students as well who will soon embark on their pilgrimage to Armenia. The Prelate stated that in different regions of Armenia, they will learn about different aspects of our history and heritage, and that the Armenian spirit will further be cultivated and rooted in them and they will return stronger in their identity. The Prelate also noted that the day’s visit is part of their spiritual preparation to travel to Armenia, and bringing to their attention that we are currently in Great Lent, advised them to prepare spiritually also for Easter by reflecting on their lives and vowing do fill their lives with good deeds. In conclusion, the Prelate commended the students for their strong Armenian spirit, which was manifested through their beautiful program, and concluded by stating that upon their departure each student, teacher, and parent would be receiving a prayer book, and urged the students especially to devote a time each day for prayer.
The gathering came to a close with the singing of the Cilician anthem by three students, and the benediction by the Prelate.
