Monday, August 17, 2015 was the first day of the 2015-2016 academic year for a number of Prelacy Schools. Each year on this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, visits Prelacy Schools to convey his blessings and well-wishes for a successful year to the administrators and students.
On Monday morning, the Prelate visited Holy Martyrs Ferrahian and Marie Cabayan Elementary Schools in Encino and North Hills where he presided over the opening ceremonies. Representatives of the Board of Regents, School Boards, and Holy Martyrs Church Board of Trustees participated in the ceremonies.
The program began with the opening prayer by Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian. Principal John Kossakian delivered opening remarks, in which he welcomed back the students and highlighted the invaluable mission of Armenian Schools.
The Prelate greeted the school family and began his message by thanking God for the safe return of the students from summer break and for the opportunity to begin a new year collectively. His Eminence reiterated the principal’s message of the exceptional role of Armenian Schools, and then reflected on the Armenian Genocide Centennial and the importance of continuing to pursue our rights in the years to come. The Prelate reminded the students of the canonization of our martyrs which took place in April, and urged them to remember our martyrs in their prayers and to seek their intercession for a safe and productive school year. The Prelate concluded by conveying his blessings to the Ferrahian school family and to the principals, faculty, and students of all Prelacy Schools as they endeavor once again to nurture the minds, bodies, and souls of our youth, and cultivate their religious and national identity.
The Prelate’s back to school message was read by local parish priests in all Prelacy Schools.
