On Thursday, March 30, 2017, the eighth grade class of Rose and Alex Pilibos School visited the Prelacy to receive the blessings of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, prior to their trip to Washington D.C. The fifty students, accompanied by their teachers, were welcomed at the “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel, where the Prelate was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan and Very Rev. Fr. Vache Balekjian.
Following a prayer service at the Chapel, the Prelate the visit continued at the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall here the students presented a beautiful cultural program. Students Kevork Balian and Natalie Sahagian served as the MC’s and in their opening remarks stated that they had come to receive the Prelate’s blessings and also to renew their allegiance to our church and nation. The students promised to love and speak Armenian, to serve our church and nation, and to be good American citizens. They concluded by wishing good health and vigor to the Prelate.
The program consisted of group recitations, solo vocal performances, and piano and guitar performances, and concluded with the recitation of the Student’s Pledge. Mrs. Sona Madarian noted that the students had been working hard on the program for weeks and their performances are a testament to their promise to stay true to our heritage.
After greeting the students and teachers, the Prelate centered his message on the importance of speaking Armenian in our daily lives and interactions. “Armenian is our hallowed language. When we speak in our mother tongue, we bring pride and joy to our forefathers,” said His Eminence. Citing from the Student’s Pledge which the students had recited earlier, the Prelate highlighted three core points for the students to bear in mind, to love our church and homeland, to speak Armenian, and be proud that we are Armenian. His Eminence commended the students for their devotion to our church and homeland, their promise to be good children, good students, and good citizens, and commended the educators for their commitment to the instruction of our youth. Speaking on the forthcoming feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s Descent into the Pit, the Prelate posed questions to the students through which he expounded on the faith mission and path of our patron saint. The Prelate also spoke on Great Lent as a time for physical and spiritual renewal, to take on certain sacrifices and expel negativity from our lives, and encouraged the students to attend church on Palm Sunday during their trip to Washington D.C. Finally, His Eminence stated that the students’ visit is a joyful occasion for him as well as he recalls his own school days and the similar pledge he made as a student. The Prelate blessed the students and teachers, conveyed his greetings to the Principal, and wished them all a safe trip. An informal conversation followed, with the students receiving the Prelate’s commendation for their knowledge on Great Lent.
The program concluded with the benediction, Cilicia, and the Armenian national anthem.
