– OVER 1 MILLION DOLLARS RAISED
On Saturday, March 18, 2023, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, presided over the opening ceremony for the new school complex at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School in Encino. In attendance were, Mr. Brad Sherman, Congressman, Mr. Paul Krikorian, President of the Los Angeles City Council and members, Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church, members of the Executive Council, Board of Trustees, Board of Regents, Educational body, teachers and students of Ferrahian Armenian School, ARS “Anahid” chapter, Hamazkayin “Barouyr Sevag” chapter, benefactors, and the faithful.
Bishop Donoyan performed a prayer and welcomed the Holy Martyrs large family, and praised this unique opportunity of enriching and expanding the educational life of the Armenians of the region and the joy it brings to the community at large. He called for the unity and strengthening of each other, that is, for the Armenian upbringing of new generations of Armenians and for the greater prosperity and expansion of the life of the community, believing that God will bestow His blessings upon the Nation and to the Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School family.
Then, in the company of the Principal of the school, Mrs. Sosi Shanlian, and the Chairman of the Educational Body, Mr. Vahe Benlian, the Bishop cut the symbolic ribbon marking the opening of the new complex.
Congratulatory remarks were delivered by Congressman Brad Sherman, and as a symbolic gesture, Mr. Benlian gifted a United States flag with a document to the Congressman. Mr. Paul Krekorian and members of the Los Angeles City Council also delivered their remarks, which was followed by the Educational body’s and the Principal’s remarks, delivered by Mr. Benlian and Mrs. Shanlian respectively.
Thereafter, in the restored “Avetisian” hall, Anna Ademian, Maya Kazandjian and Crystal Kojaoghlanian sang the United States and Armenian national anthems, followed by the opening speech delivered by KTLA5 news reporter Mrs. Elina Abovian, and Mr. Jack Hajinian, member of the Executive Council.
Bishop Donoyan blessed the tables, accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian. The Prelate highly commended the support of the large number of attendees, noting that during the development of the school’s expansion program, the Western Prelacy Executive Council promised to be the first supporter of this daring endeavor.
The Prelate invited Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chairman of the Executive Council, Mr. Vahe Benlian, Chairman of the Educational Body, and Mrs. Sossi Shanlian, Principal of Ferrahian Armenian School to the stage and on behalf of the Western Prelacy presented a check for $100,000 dollars to the officials of the school.
During the course of the evening, administrators from the three schools of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School introduced the attendees on the achievements of schools (Pilavjian Preschool-Kindergarten, Mari Cabayan Preschool and Ferrahian High School.) On the large banners, they watched “The Tradition Continues” video prepared by the Pilavjian Preschool-Kindergarten, “A Day in the Life of a Cabayan Student” video prepared by the Mari Cabayan Preschool, and “Planning our future together” video prepared by the Ferrahian High School.
It should be noted that the evening was filled with song and dance, a silent auction was held, and expressing their enthusiasm for the opening ceremony of the new complex, donations of more than $1,000,000 were made throughout the event.
