On the afternoon of Monday, March 3, 2025, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed gymnasium at Armenian Mesrobian School in Montebello. With prayers and blessings, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian acknowledged the significance of this achievement for the Armenian community, emphasizing that the state-of-the-art facility would serve not only Armenian Mesrobian School students but also athletes and teams from Armenian schools and organizations, inspiring renewed enthusiasm for sports and physical well-being among Armenian youth.
Accompanying the Prelate were Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Dean of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, and Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, Pastor of the church.
The opening ceremony was attended by local government representatives, members of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, including Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian and Mr. Jack Hadjinian, as well as members of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, including Chairperson Mr. Sarkis Ourfalian and member Mrs. Silva Kirakosian. Also present were Ms. Lena Garabedian, Principal of Armenian Mesrobian School, Mr. Chris Guldjian, Chairperson of the School Board, along with School Board members, parents, students, and guests.
In his remarks, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian praised the newly constructed gymnasium as a milestone achievement in the advancement of Armenian Mesrobian School, the oldest Armenian educational institution in Los Angeles County. The Prelate described the gymnasium as the realization of a long-cherished dream, made possible through the dedication and generosity of benefactors and supporters who deeply believe in the mission of Armenian education. Extending his heartfelt congratulations to the students and the entire Mesrobian School family, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian emphasized the timeless saying, “A healthy mind in a healthy body,” and expressed his sincere wishes for Mesrobian generations to grow strong, both in body and spirit, ensuring the school’s enduring success and lasting legacy for generations to come.
