On Friday, November 15, 2024, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, a gala was organized at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena to mark the 50th Anniversary of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School. In attendance at the gala were Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian, Pastor of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, Pastor of Holy Archangels Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley, Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, and his wife Mrs. Hasmig Hovaguimian, and Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian, Vice-Chair and Mr. Gevik Baghdassarian, member of the Executive Council, the extensive family of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, Board of Trustees, administration, educators, staff, parents, benefactors, and friends, along with a large group of guests.
Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, on behalf of the Western Prelacy, led the opening prayer of the evening and then invited the Prelatr, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian to share his heartfelt remarks. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian expressed his sincere appreciation to the founding benefactors of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School as well as all past and present benefactors for their vision and dedication to supporting our community. The Prelate also thanked community members who took on the responsibility to contribute voluntarily towards the educational and administrative advancement of our community, always believing in the mission of Armenian schools, and for their commitment to providing a suitable educational environment for the new generation of Armenian-Christian children.
In his remarks, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian quoted American President Benjamin Franklin’s words, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest,” and concluded his remarks by referencing the biblical verse, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” H.E. Archbishop Khacherian explained that the founding benefactors of Chamlian Armenian School, the late Mr. Vahan Chamlian and Mrs. Anoush Chamlian, considered the establishment of the school their treasure and tied their hearts and essence to it. Today, on the golden anniversary of Vahan & Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, Mrs. Anoush Chamlian and her daughters, considering this Armenian school a treasure, donated $150,000. In addition, Western Prelacy Executive Council member Mr. Gevik Baghdassarian and his wife Mrs. Paola Baghdassarian, brother Mr. Peter Baghdassarian and his wife Mrs. Ruby Baghdassarian, long time benefactors of the school and considering the school a treasure, made a new contribution of $100,000 to Chamlian, in memory of their father Mr. Hacop Baghdassarian. H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian thanked the Chamlian and Baghdassarian families for their commitment to the church and community and considered them exemplary supporters of the Western Prelacy in the development and prosperity of our community.
After his remarks, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian presented a letter of blessings from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, in celebration of the school’s 50th Anniversary. This was followed by a ceremony where H.E. Archbishop Khacherian, together with Dr. Talin Kargodorian, Head of School at Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, recognized and honored a select group of teachers and staff and Board members for their valuable contributions.
