On the morning of Friday, April 17, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, received the graduating class and 8th grade students of Armenian Mesrobian School of Montebello at the Dikran and Zarouhi Der Ghazarian Hall of the Western Prelacy. The students were accompanied by the school’s principal, Mrs. Lena Garabedian, along with their teachers.
Two students greeted Archbishop Khacherian and delivered remarks on behalf of their classmates. The program included a reading dedicated to the Armenian language, followed by a recitation of “Oh My Sweet Armenia” by Yeghishe Charents, presented by a group of 8th grade students.
Mrs. Garabedian then addressed the Prelate, sharing that the visiting students had prepared three questions and expressing their hope that Archbishop Khacherian would thoroughly respond to their questions.
Archbishop Khacherian offered thoughtful and comprehensive responses to the student questions, addressing themes of identity and its defining elements, including land, heritage, tradition, language, culture, survival, and the connection between past, present, and future. The Prelate also spoke about the role of Armenian schools and the broader community in shaping new generations and providing a strong foundation in national education.
Drawing on familiar, everyday examples, such as national symbols, music, traditional attire, and cuisine, Archbishop Khacherian engaged the students in a meaningful interactive exchange. By posing questions and encouraging reflection on the unique characteristics of the Armenian people among the nations of the world, he guided the students to recognize for themselves the key components of Armenian identity. The Prelate expressed his hope that, as students of an Armenian school, they will continue to deepen their understanding of who they are, especially as they pursue higher education in non-Armenian institutions.
In his remarks, the Prelate also described the 12th grade students as a fortunate generation, recalling their recent opportunity to meet His Holiness Catholicos Aram I during his pastoral visit to California. Archbishop Khacherian shared, “His Holiness Catholicos Aram I had expressed a strong desire to meet with Armenian school students in Los Angeles and felt a deep sense of national pride upon witnessing a community with a strong and promising future.”
Archbishop Khacherian encouraged the students to remain connected to their school and community, and to carry with them a strong sense of belonging. The Prelate expressed his appreciation to the principal and educators, and offered his fatherly blessings to the students. At the conclusion of the visit, Archbishop Khacherian presented each student with a wooden cross necklace, urging them to remain committed in preserving their Armenian identity, to take pride in their heritage, and to continue strengthening their knowledge of the Armenian language, faith, history, and culture.
