On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at noon, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, paid his inaugural visit to Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School in Orange County. Upon arrival, the Prelate was warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, Ms. Ani Sarkissian, Principal of Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School, Mr. Sarkis Janetsian, Chairperson of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Armen Karo Chapter, Mr. Mihran Mihranian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, along with members of the School Board, the Board of Trustees, and delegates.
Following the traditional blessing ceremony with bread and salt, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian toured the Ari Guiragos Minassian School classrooms from preschool to sixth grade, engaging in heartfelt conversations with the young and teenage students and their dedicated teachers.
Addressing the students, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian commended the administration and educators for their unwavering commitment and continuous efforts in shaping the Armenian identity of the students and ensuring prosperity in their educational journey. The Prelate also shared words of wisdom about good conduct and attentively listened to the students’ insightful stories.
After visiting the classrooms, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian proceeded to the church’s Gugasian Hall, where students presented a beautifully prepared cultural program in honor of the spirit and significance of St. Vartanants celebration. Through a selection of national songs and recitations, the students captivated the audience, earning warm applause and admiration from the attendees.
In his address on the occasion of St. Vartanants celebration, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian praised the heroic spirit of the Vartanants generation, who valiantly fought to defend Christian Armenia’s statehood. The Prelate expressed deep appreciation for the school’s administration and teachers, recognizing their dedicated efforts in organizing a meaningful and inspiring presentation of this national celebration while instilling a sense of pride, and resilient Armenian spirit in both the young and old in attendance.
Later in the day, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian met with the Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, the Principal and School Board members of Ari Guiragos Minassain Armenian School, to gain further insight into the school’s initiatives, achievements, and future plans.
Concluding his first visit to the Armenian community of Orange County, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized the Orange County community’s vital role within the Western Prelacy, with its Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, congregation, Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School, students, parents, community organizations, benefactors, friends, supporters and all its members and extended his heartfelt blessings and best wishes to all.
