At noon on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, held a meaningful and enriching educational meeting focused on national upbringing and identity with the 78 graduating students of the Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School. The students arrived at the Western prelacy prepared with thoughtful questions for the Prelate, inspired by the questions posed last October by upper-grade students of Armenian schools to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I during the special student gathering organized in conjunction with the Pontifical Visit to the Western Prelacy.
On this occasion, the Dikran and Zarouhi Der Ghazarian Hall of the Western Prelacy was transformed into a constructive classroom like environment. Also present was Executive Council member Mr. Ronnie Gharibian. The students were led into the hall by the school’s Head of School, Dr. Talin Kargodorian, accompanied by faculty members and several parents. Following her opening remarks and explanation of the purpose behind the carefully organized visit, Dr. Kargodorian thanked the Prelate for receiving the students and invited them to begin presenting their questions.
Archbishop Khacherian offered thoughtful and comprehensive bilingual responses to questions centered on the themes of “Armenian Identity and the Armenian Language,” “The Role of Armenian Schools in the Diaspora,” “Social Media and Modern Technology,” “Spiritual Life and Faith,” and “Artsakh and the Homeland.” Several students confidently addressed their questions to the Prelate, while their classmates attentively followed the discussion and took notes on specially prepared classroom worksheets provided by the administration, which would later be evaluated as part of their coursework.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Prelate highly praised the educational value of the meeting, as well as the dedicated efforts of the school administration, faculty, and graduating students. He wished the students continued success, good health, and achievement in their educational journey. Archbishop Khacherian also expressed his appreciation to both the parents present and absent for entrusting their children to Armenian schools and, with the words, “This is the home of all of you,” extended his fatherly blessings to the students and parents alike.
The educational meeting concluded with the collective singing of the Lord’s Prayer led by Archbishop Khacherian.
