On Wednesday, April 30, 2014, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed the visit of Rose and Alex Pilibos School 11th grade students, who were accompanied by their teachers. The Prelate was joined by Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian and Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian.
The visit began with prayer at the “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel. The students joined in the recitation of the “Lord’s Prayer”, after which the Prelate and clergy sung and the Easter hymn and offered a prayer.
The visit continued at the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall with a cultural program presented by the students.
The program opened with remarks delivered by Armenian Department Chair Kevork Sarkissian who expressed gratitude to the Prelate for the warm welcome and for his care and guidance.
Armenian teacher Tamar Tufenkjian-Seraydarian served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The students presented a rich cultural program of songs, recitations, and performances on the piano, guitar, shvi, and flute, after which the MC invited the Prelate to deliver his message.
In his address to the students, the Prelate reflected on the recent celebration of Easter and commemoration of April 24, stressing that the Armenian people live by the hope and faith of Christ’s Resurrection, a reality which gives us the strength to endure and overcome all types of hardship. He commended the students for their participation in a number of community-wide Genocide commemorations the week prior, and for the moving program they presented dedicated to the memory of our martyrs. His Eminence explained also the plan of canonizing Armenian Genocide martyrs. In conclusion, he wished the students a safe and enlightening trip on their forthcoming visit to Armenia and Artsakh.
The program came to a close with the Prelate’s blessings and benediction, and a beautiful rendition of “Cilicia” performed by the students with their accompanying instruments.
The students then had the opportunity to tour the headquarters and become familiarized with the Prelacy’s departments and endeavors.