On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, and Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian, member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, for a visit to St. Mary’s Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool and Kindergarten in Glendale. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian was welcomed by Mrs. Lorette Avanessian, Director of St. Mary’s Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool, as well as representatives from the School Board, parent committee, teachers, and students.
Also in attendance at the welcoming reception were Mrs. Sandra Kalemkiarian and Mrs. Caroline Tufenkian, the daughter and daughter-in-law of the esteemed founding benefactors Ralph and Savey Tufenkian, who in keeping with tradition, were present to honor the legacy of their parents and in-laws. In honor of the founding benefactors, a planting ceremony was held during which various plants were planted around multiple areas of St. Mary’s Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschools, symbolizing growth and continuity.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian also toured the classrooms of St. Mary’s Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool and Kindergarten, engaging in discussions with the delightful young students, teachers, and staff to gain insight into their educational activities and programs. Following the classroom visits, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian presided over the annual Thanksgiving Day celebration which has been traditionally organized annually at the request of the founding benefactors. During the festive celebration, the young students of St. Mary’s Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool and Kindergarten showcased a bilingual cultural program featuring performances of traditional New Year and Christmas songs, contributing to a celebratory atmosphere.
After the children’s presentations concluded, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian delivered his remarks commending the children, that included the grandson and great-grandson of the founding benefactors Ralph and Savey Tufenkian, for their delightful performances. The Prelate also offered his fatherly blessings to the extensive family of St. Mary’s Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool and Kindergarten, commended the Tufenkian family members for their commitment to the Preschool and their efforts to preserve the legacy they have inherited from the founding benefactors. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian concluded his remarks by conveying his fatherly blessings to all in attendance.
