On Wednesday, October 22, 2014, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students held a walk-a-thon to raise funds for the Armenian community in Syria, particularly for the Armenian Schools and students. The walk-a-thon was one of various fundraising efforts the School has initiated for this cause.
The students walked to the Prelacy, where they were greeted by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, and Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian. Vice-Principal Rita Kaprielian and teachers joined the students, who upon their arrival entered the “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel to kiss the Bible, after which they headed to the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall. The program began with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer by the students, followed by the singing of a hymn by the clergy.
In his message, the Prelate highly commended the initiative and readiness of the students to help their peers in Syria. He spoke of the mission of the Prelacy and its Schools, stating that both institutions belong to the people, and as Armenians, belong to them as well.
Students then viewed a video on the situation of Armenian Schools and students in Aleppo. The Prelate addressed the students once more following the video. He noted that whereas our students attend school in peaceful and normal circumstances, their brothers and sisters in Aleppo live in difficult and dangerous circumstances, lacking basic daily necessities. His Eminence emphasized how the students continue to attend school despite great hardships because education, and especially Armenian education, is of great value to them. He again commended the administration, parents, and students for their fundraising efforts, which he called a demonstration of solidarity to Armenian Schools in Aleppo and attestation that Armenian Schools in all parts of the world have the one and same mission, to cultivate our faith and heritage and bring up faithful Armenian nationals. The Prelate also spoke about the upcoming centennial of the Genocide and of the active participation of our Schools and students in commemorative events and in keeping the memory and legacy of our martyrs alive. He concluded by conveying his blessings to the students, to Armenian Schools and teachers, and praying for the restoration of peace in Syria.
The Prelate delivered the benediction, and the program came to a close with Cilicia and the Armenian national anthem. Students enjoyed a reception with the clergy before returning to their school. Chamlian School held another walk-a-thon on the same day, with 7th and 8th grade students walking to the Crescenta Valley Armenian Center for the same cause.