On the morning of Thursday, February 26, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, received approximately 80 eighth grade students from Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School of Encino at the Dikran and Zarouhi Der Ghazarian Hall of the Western Prelacy. The students were led by the school’s principal, Mrs. Sossi Shanlian, and were accompanied by their teachers and school administrators.
The students, in groups, commemorated the Feast of St. Vartanants by presenting a well prepared artistic program consisting of group recitations, songs dedicated to St. Vartan Mamigonian and his warriors, as well as traditional Armenian dances, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere.
On behalf of the extended family of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School, Mrs. Sossi Shanlian delivered heartfelt remarks, congratulating Archbishop Khacherian on the occasion of the Feast of St. Vartanants and expressing her appreciation that, in keeping with tradition, the Prelate once again welcomed the eighth grade students to the headquarters of the Western Prelacy.
Referring to the historic battle fought in 451 A.D. by the brave sons of the Armenian nation against the Persian army, “for the sake of Jesus Christ and for the sake of the homeland,” the Prelate explained to the students the defining elements of Armenian national identity and character. Archbishop Khacherian also spoke about the significance of the Armenian cross as a symbol of the Christian faith of the Armenian Church.
After expressing his appreciation for the visiting group from Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School, Archbishop Khacherian thanked the school administration and the accompanying educators. He then offered fatherly guidance to the students, encouraging them never to forget their identity, faith, Church, and national values. The Prelate presented each student with a copy of the book “I Am an Armenian Book” by poet Jacques S. Hagopian, as well as Armenian cross necklaces.
Following the program, the Prelate led the students to the St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen Chapel of the Western Prelacy, where three paintings displayed on the chapel walls depict three key events that reflect the character of Christian Armenia and the Armenian people: the official adoption of Christianity in 301 A.D., the invention of the Armenian alphabet in 405 A.D., and the Battle of Vartanants in 451 A.D., fought in defense of the Christian faith.
Speaking about these depictions, Archbishop Khacherian reflected on the heroic martyrdom of Vartanants and noted that the Battle of Vartanants, fought for the preservation of the Christian faith, homeland, and culture, remains a cornerstone of the survival of the Armenian people and of the many national struggles waged throughout Armenian history. The Prelate then conveyed his fatherly blessings to all present.
