On Friday, September 27, 2019, a fundraising dinner in support of Prelacy Schools in Lebanon was held at “Dikranian” Hall in Encino presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and hosted by Executive Council Chair Garo Eshgian and his wife Sosse.
In attendance were H.E. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Prelate of Lebanon, former Prelate H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, Religious Council Chair Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian and Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, representatives of the ARF Central Committee, Executive Council, Boards of Trustees, Board of Regents of Prelacy Schools, community activists and sponsors.
Following the invocation, Garo Eshgian delivered welcoming remarks emphasizing the importance and primary mission of Armenian schools in the national instruction of our youth and affirmed the Prelacy’s support of this mission. Archbishop Alemezian conveyed his appreciation for the show of support and thanked the Prelate and host for responding favorably to his request to organize such a gathering. Thereafter, he presented an overview of the current state of Prelacy Schools in Lebanon and the challenges they face.
The Prelate delivered his message emphasizing on the importance of the event. He highlighted the longstanding collaborative relationship between the Prelacies of the Western U.S. and Lebanon built on the principles of love and brotherhood, and recommended that our Prelacy Schools establish a relationship with sister Schools. He commended the evening’s host and once again called for support to maintain our schools and our heritage.
Generous donations were made throughout the evening, adding to the pledges made beforehand.