On the evening of Saturday, March 22, 2025, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over the 60th-anniversary gala of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Secondary School. The event was held at the grand ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, with more than 600 guests in attendance.
Among the guests at the gala were members of the Western Prelacy Executive Council: Chairman Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian and his wife, Vice-Chair Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian, Secretary Mr. George Chorbajian and his wife, the Chancellor of the Western Prelacy, and the representative of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools. Also present were national delegates, community leaders, representatives and members from affiliated organizations, benefactors, supporters, former and current educators, parents, alumni, students, volunteers and members of the extended Ferrahian family.
Following a cocktail hour, the official program began with an opening prayer by Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church of Encino, who also blessed the tables. The evening’s master of ceremonies, Mr. Haig Boyajian, a proud alumnus of Ferrahian, welcomed the guests to the gala. The national anthems of the United States, Armenia, and Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School were then performed by students Areni Ekmekjian, Daisy Kalaydjian, and Krystal Kojaoghlanian.
Mr. Alex Beylerian and Dr. Sareen Sorfazian, co-chairs of the 60th-anniversary gala organizing committee, shared heartfelt remarks, which were followed by a message from Mr. Vahe Benlian, Chairman of the School Board of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School. Mr. Benlian shared that every school has its own unique history and emphasized that Ferrahian’s national and educational journey was born with the vision and passion of its founders, who, through their selflessness and unwavering dedication, transformed their dream into reality, laying the foundation for successive generations to progress from one accomplishment to the next.
Mrs. Sossi Shanlian, Principal of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School, delivered an inspiring speech, reaffirming that even after 60 years since its establishment, the school continues to thrive with youthful energy. Mrs. Shanlian emphasized the unwavering commitment of leadership bodies is not only preserving this educational institution’s legacy but also to propelling it to greater heights.
At the conclusion of her speech, Mrs. Shanlian invited Mr. John Kossakian, who has dedicated nearly 25 years as the previous Principal of the Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School and now as Principal of Holy Martyrs Marie Cabayan Elementary School, and Ms. Vehik Gabrielian, who has served as the Director of Holy Martyrs ARS Ashkhen Pilavjian Preschool since its founding 35 years ago. Mr. Kossakian and Ms. Gabrielian were both honored with special commemorative awards in recognition for their dedication and service.
A dynamic video presentation, titled “Memories, Milestones, Momentum,” filled the grand ballroom with reflections on the school’s 60-year history, showcasing heartfelt testimonials from students, leaders, and community members. The video highlighted proud moments and invaluable contributions made by the school to national and educational endeavors, stirring the hearts of all present with cherished memories from the past and a sense of warmth and pride for the present.
One of the key highlights of the evening was the recognition of the school’s generous benefactors, who significantly contributed to the expansion and renovation projects of the school’s two campuses. Honorees included the Keosian family, the Topalian family (in memory of their parents, Nerses and Aghavni Topalian), the Benlian brothers, the Ghevondian family (in memory of their husband and father, Masis Ghevondian), as well as representatives from the Vahé & Lucie Fattal Foundation, Dr. Vatche & Mrs. Shoushig Cabayan, the founders of Marie Gabayan Elementary School, and Mrs. Sona Touloumdjian and her children. All benefactors were invited to the stage and were presented with a commemorative keepsake as a token of appreciation.
The formal part of the program concluded with the remarks of the Prelate H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, who reflected on the six-decade-long success and victorious journey of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School, stressing its significant role and contributions within the Armenian diaspora. The Prelate highlighted the long-standing tradition, spanning decades, where nearly every graduate who progresses through the various levels of this educational institution remains closely connected to their alma mater throughout their life, first as students and graduates, then as professionals, parents, community members and supporters. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian noted that the founding generation’s vision for the success and growth of the first Armenian educational institution in the Western Region continues to be carried forward by subsequent generations, including those present at the celebration. The Prelate highlighted that many new students currently on the schools waiting list, will soon have the opportunity to enroll, further strengthening and enriching the Armenian community. The Prelate also expressed his pride in the school’s continued growth, sharing that, based on current data, the rapid and unprecedented increase in student enrollment makes Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School truly unparalleled in the entire diaspora.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian recalled one of his initial acknowledgments after being elected Prelate, in which he described the Western Prelacy as a “Benefactor Prelacy.” The Prelate extended his heartfelt praise and congratulations to all those devoted to the spiritual, national, and educational advancement of the community, as well as to everyone in attendance. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian noted that, even from afar, he had consistently heard high praise and commendable reports about the Western Prelacy’s national charitable efforts and contributions and acknowledged that, after being elected as Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, he has witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact this “Benefactor Prelacy” continues to have, not only on a pan-Armenian scale but also within both local and global communities. The Prelate remarked that the recent jubilee celebrations of several Western Prelacy Armenian Schools, along with the evening’s celebration, stand as a testament to the unwavering support our educational institutions receive from members of our community. He emphasized that this is a highly commendable reflection of the deep-rooted character and values of our people, who are devoted to both education and the development of our schools.
In his closing remarks, the Prelate concluded, “It is not just about building schools, but also about preserving, expanding, and continually enriching what has been established, ensuring that future generations of young Armenians remain an essential part of our nation’s fabric. This enduring effort is what unites us, strengthens us, gives us a vision for the future, and propels our collective mission forward.”
On this momentous occasion, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, had sent a Pontifical Blessing Letter, which was read by H.E. Archbishop Khacherian to a standing ovation from the hundreds in attendance.
Following the formal program, the evening continued with a joyous celebration having raised an impressive three million dollars for the school’s future educational programs.
