Pilibos School 8th & 9th Grade Students Visit the Prelacy

 

On Friday, March 15, 2013, Rose and Alex Pilibos 8th and 9th grade students visited the Prelacy where they met with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, participated in a prayer service and were familiarized with the endeavors of the Prelacy.  Two weeks ago 5th and 7th grade students paid a visit to the Prelacy, and next month the Prelacy will host students from the 10th and 11th grades.  His Eminence was joined by St. Garabed Church Pastor Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, and Crescenta Valley Church Pastor Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian.

Nearly one hundred students arrived on Friday morning accompanied by their teachers and parents.  Following group photos with the Prelate in the “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel, students headed to the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall for a prayer service and to present a cultural program of songs and recitations they had prepared for this occasion.

The program began with the Lord’s Prayer and a hymn.  The Prelate and clergy also said a special prayer for the 8th grade class, wishing them a safe trip as they will be visiting Washington D.C. next week.  The program was capably officiated by 9th grade student Armine Kalpakian, who spoke on the role of the Armenian School and its influence on Armenian youth, then invited her classmates to present their performances.

The first group of students recited the poem “The Armenian Church” by Vahan Tekeyan.  The second group recited a poem by Vahakn Tavitian dedicated to the Armenian language.  A duet of nationalistic songs followed.  Five students presented a number of Hovhannes Tumanyan poems, and a poem dedicated to mothers was also presented given that H.H. Catholicos Aram I has dedicated the year to Armenian Mothers.  Musical performances on the piano, violin, and guitar followed, with selections ranging from Aram Khachadourian to Pink Floyd.    The beautifully prepared and presented cultural program concluded with the “Oath of Youth”.

Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian commended the students for their performances and urged them to remain faithful to the oath they recited.  Fr. Vicken also gave a brief explanation of the endeavors and mission of the Holy See of Cilicia and the Prelacy, including of the Churches and Schools under its jurisdiction, then invited the Prelate to deliver his message.

The Prelate first commended the students on their program, which he stated filled our souls with spiritual joy and was a testament to their God-given talents.  Noting that we are in the Great Lent period, His Eminence spoke to the students about the meaning and messages of Great Lent, among them the victory of good over evil and overcoming trials in life with strong will, and also spoke of the message of Easter as the triumph of life over death. The Prelate also commended the students for dedicating a part of their program to mothers, and invited them to write special prayers for their mothers on the occasion of the “Year of the Armenian Mother”.  In conclusion, the Prelate wished the students success and great achievements in the coming years, at the same time urging them to never forget their roots and to serve for the progress of their community and nation throughout their lives, and commended the principal and teachers for their role in the intellectual and spiritual development of our youth.

The official program concluded with the Cilician and Armenian national anthems.  The students were then given a tour of the headquarters, and were acquainted with the staff and the endeavors of the various departments.

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