On Tuesday, December 13, 2016, a group of elementary and junior high students from Mesrobian School, accompanied by Principal David Ghoogasian and teachers, visited the Prelacy to receive the blessings of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, ahead of the New Year and Christmas and to convey their holiday wishes to His Eminence. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian joined in the visit.
The visit began with prayer at “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel and continued at “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall where the students presented a cultural program of Christmas hymns and ethnic songs, recitations, and dances.
The program began with opening remarks by student Alec Manougian, who also served as Master of Ceremonies. On behalf of the faculty and fellow students, Alec conveyed well wishes to the Prelate and Fr. Nareg, and stated that youth raised in the Diaspora are in need of a guiding hand.
The festive and ethnic program followed, with teacher Anahit Khachigian accompanying on the piano. Prior to delivering his message, His Eminence was presented a Christmas gift by the Principal and MC on behalf of the School family.
His Eminence began by conveying his blessings and felicitations to all on the occasion of the New Year and Christmas. Speaking to the youth about Christmas, the Prelate stated that the Baby Jesus was born in the most humble of circumstances, yet the wondrous mystery and message of His Birth illuminated the world and renewed mankind with new hope. He came as our Savior to liberate man from sin, and with His Birth, the glory and grace of God shined upon mankind, said the Prelate. His Eminence noted that the New Year is a time of great joy, peace, and respite, but also an opportunity for renewal, and urged the students to reach out to their elders for comfort and tranquility if they are experiencing sadness or difficulties, for God’s peace is one of the greatest gifts He has bestowed to man. Finally, the Prelate urged the students to be kind and loving toward one another and prayed for the Lord’s grace and blessings to be upon them.
The program concluded with prayer. The students received crosses from the Prelate as a memento of their visit.