At the start of the 2012-2013 academic year, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate continues his visits to Prelacy Schools to address the administration and students and convey his blessings for a successful school year.
On Monday, August 20, 2012, the Prelate participated in the back to school opening ceremony of Ferrahian High School in Encino and Holy Martyrs Marie Cabayan Elementary School in North Hills.
The day began at the Encino campus, where the school principal, administration, teachers, and students were gathered at “Avedissian” to officially being the new school year. Participating in the ceremony were Holy Martyrs Church Pastor Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, Executive Council member Mr. Toros Kejejian, Board of Regents member Mr. Chris Keosian, members of the school board, Holy Martyrs Church Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Zeron Titizian and members, and representatives of local sister organizations.
The invocation was delivered by Fr. Razmig, followed by the flag ceremony. Principal Mr. John Kossakian delivered his welcoming remarks, expressing his thanks to the staff and parents, and wishing the students a successful year. The Prelate then delivered his message and blessings to all for a productive academic year. His Eminence first gave thanks and praise to Almighty God for having granted us yet another year to enrich and enlighten the minds and spirits of our youth within the Armenian School system. He spoke of the Armenian School as an institution of immense value and importance to us all, a place where the Armenian identity is formed in our young ones and where the Armenian language, culture, and spirit is celebrated and instilled in generation after generation of our youth who are being prepared to lead our nation in future years. Speaking on the Year of the Armenian Book as proclaimed by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the Prelate stated that ” it is vital for us all, educators, parents, church and community leaders, to teach our youth the significance of books, to instill in them a love of reading, and make sure that the Armenian Book becomes a part of their daily lives, whether in school or at home.” The Prelate concluded by praying for the Lord to continue to bless our schools, educators, families, and communities, and guide us in fulfillment of our duties to the proper instruction of our children and youth.
The Prelate, Principal, and school board members then headed to the North Hills campus for the opening ceremony of Holy Martyrs Marie Cabayan Elementary School. Opening and welcoming remarks were delivered by Mr. Tro Tchekidjian, Assistant to the Principal. Remarks were also conveyed by the Principal and Prelate.
On the morning of Friday, August 24, the Prelate visited Levon and Hasmig Tavlian Pre-School in Pasadena where he presided over the opening of the school year. St. Sarkis Church Pastor Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian, Church Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild members were among those in attendance.
Following the invocation by Fr. Khoren, the Prelate was invited to deliver his message and well wishes to the administration and students.
School Director Mrs. Helen Manoucherian welcomed back the students and parents, and invited the attendees to a reception to start the new year.
