On the morning of Friday, August 18, 2023, H. G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western United States, accompanied by Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian, Vice-Chair of the Executive Council, attended the grand opening of ARS Mayr Chapter Mary Postoian Preschools new playground, in Hollywood, CA.
Welcoming the Prelate were Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church in Hollywood, members of the Board of Trustees, the school Principal and Preschool Director, School Board representatives, and loving students. Kristina Movsessian, Director of ARS Mayr Chapter Mary Postoian Preschool, welcomed and greeted H. G. Bishop Donoyan, benefactors, and thanked all the attendees for being present at the grand opening of the new playground.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new playground, Bishop Donoyan delivered his heartfelt message, highlighting, emphasizing, and commending the tireless efforts of devoted members of the Hollywood Armenian community and benefactors. The Prelate recognized and shared his appreciation for the recent renovation of the Preschool playground, and stated, “Although our beloved city of Shushi in Artsakh, the center of Armenian culture, was taken from us and is currently under siege by Azerbaijan, here we are today, thousands of miles away, naming this children’s playground “Shushi.” Terming this playground “Shushi” will ensure that our children and grandchildren are cognizant of our history and strive to keep our Armenian city of Shushi alive in their minds and soul, until that praiseworthy moment arrives to embark upon having our historic Shushi returned to its historic owners, the Armenian people.”