On Friday, November 6, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, Executive Council Chairman, Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian and Secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Boyajian, welcomed Alex and Lina Megerdechian to formally recognize their historic $9.6 million donation toward the establishment of Glendale’s first Armenian High School. The gathering marked a significant milestone in the longstanding efforts of the Western Prelacy and Chamlian Armenian School to expand Armenian education through the high school years. The couple’s generous donation will fund the outright purchase of a prime property in Glendale, to be placed under the auspices of the Western Prelacy.
Sharing in this occasion were Mr. Sarkis Ourfalian, Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Western Prelacy Schools; Mrs. Azita Yacoubian, member of the Board of Regents; Dr. Talin Kargodorian, Head of School of Chamlian Armenian School; and Mr. Artin Ghazarian, Chairman of Chamlian Armenian School Board.
Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Khacherian reflected on the significance of the occasion and the generosity of Alex and Lina Megerdechian, whose children attend Chamlian Armenian School.
“For decades, the dream of establishing a Prelacy High School in Glendale has lived in the hearts and minds of past Prelates, Executive Councils, Board of Regents and Armenian families. Today, through the extraordinary generosity of the Megerdechian family, that dream is no longer a distant aspiration, but a promise taking shape,” said Archbishop Khacherian. “Their historic donation marks the beginning of a new chapter in Armenian education, one in which the doors of learning will remain open to our children beyond their formative years at Chamlian Armenian School. This remarkable gift is more than an investment in land or the establishment of a school; it is an investment in our children, our language, our faith, and the preservation of our Armenian identity for generations to come.”
The new institution, to be named Alex and Lina Megerdechian High School, will serve as a natural continuation of Chamlian Armenian School, allowing students to further their academic pursuits while remaining deeply rooted in their Armenian heritage, language, and faith.
Archbishop Khacherian also recognized the instrumental roles of Dr. Talin Kargodorian and Mr. Artin Ghazarian, whose years of research, planning, and dedication helped bring this vision closer to reality. He praised their perseverance and unwavering belief in the importance of expanding Armenian education, acknowledging that their efforts had laid the groundwork for this historic achievement.
The gathering was marked by a heartfelt exchange of gratitude among all in attendance, united in their appreciation for a gift that extends far beyond one family and will benefit countless Armenian students and parents in the years ahead.
As a symbol of profound gratitude and distinction, His Eminence bestowed upon Alex Megerdechian the prestigious “Cilician Eagle” honorary pin of the Western Prelacy, in recognition of his exceptional act of philanthropy that will leave a lasting mark on Armenian education and open new doors of opportunity for students and families.
The gathering concluded with blessings and a prayer of thanks to Almighty God for this momentous occasion. He prayed for divine guidance in the continued advancement of the Western Prelacy’s educational and spiritual mission, and for the success of this new undertaking that holds such great promise for The Western Prelacy.
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