On Monday, August 22, 2016, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, visited Ari Guiragos Minassian School to preside over the commencement of the new academic year. Forty Martyrs Church pastor Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian and church representatives, Board of Regents member Mrs. Sossi Hovsepian, school board members, sponsors, and parents participated in the ceremony.
The day began with the Lord’s Prayer sung by the students, after which School Board Chairman Mr. Kevork Keshishian delivered opening remarks highlighting the importance of Armenian Schools. Ms. Sanan Shirinian, the new principal, greeted and welcomed the students and guests. Ms. Shirinian noted that the school continuing the tradition of a “word of the month”, this month’s word being “proud,” and then went on to speak about pride and how proud the school is of the students.
The Prelate began his message by giving thanks to God for the start of another school year, and then conveyed his blessings and well wishes to the school family for a successful new year and especially to the new principal in her new mission. His Eminence reflected on his time as pastor of Forty Martyrs Church and teacher at AG Minassian, and referencing the word of the month, stated that he too is proud of the students, of the new principal and faculty for their commitment to the well-being of our youth, and of the parents entrusting the education and instruction of their children to our Armenian Schools. Speaking on the “Year of Service,” the Prelate urged for all to serve and become good examples to others. Finally, His Eminence blessed the memory of past sponsors and founders whose service and efforts led to the establishment of the school.
A visit to classrooms followed, after which a prayer service was held at the church. The students sang a hymn and received Holy Communion from the Prelate. The visit concluded with breakfast hosted by the Parent-Teacher Organization, during which the Prelate once again conveyed his well wishes to all.
