On the afternoon of Saturday, May 30, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over the graduation ceremony and diploma presentation for the 85 graduating seniors of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School in Encino. Present at the ceremony were members of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, members of the Board of Trustees, the school’s Principal, Mrs. Sossi Shanlian, faculty and staff, the graduates’ parents and family members, and numerous invited guests.
In his heartfelt commencement address, Archbishop Khacherian extended his congratulations to the entire Ferrahian School family, the graduating Class of 2026, their parents and grandparents, and all those gathered in the school gymnasium to celebrate this significant milestone.
Archbishop Khacherian expressed his joy and satisfaction on the occasion, noting that this was an exceptional milestone not only for the 85 students who had successfully completed an important chapter of their lives and were preparing to pursue higher education, but also for their parents and grandparents. The Prelate observed that they were undoubtedly filled with well-deserved pride and profound gratification as they witnessed the fruits of years of dedication, sacrifice, and hard work reflected in the accomplishments of their beloved children and grandchildren. He further emphasized that such moments rank among the most encouraging and inspiring occasions in the life of the Armenian community.
Following his warm words of congratulations to the graduating class, Archbishop Khacherian stressed the importance of remaining committed in their Armenian Christian faith, identity, and heritage. He reminded the graduates that they should consider themselves both fortunate and historically privileged to have personally met and interacted with His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, during His Holiness’ Sixth Pontifical Visit to the Western Prelacy. Archbishop Khacherian concluded by stating that the diploma awarded by Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School serves as a lasting testament to the graduates’ Armenian identity and to the enduring national legacy inherited from their ancestors and faithfully passed down from generation to generation.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Archbishop Khacherian, accompanied by Principal Sossi Shanlian, presented the diplomas to the students of the Class of 2026. Imparting his fatherly blessings, the Prelate wished the graduates continued success, the attainment of even greater academic accomplishments, and God’s blessings as they embark upon the next chapter of their lives.
