On Thursday, May 7, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, welcomed to the Western Prelacy approximately 60 eighth grade students from Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School. As the students prepare to transition from middle school to high school, they had come to the Western Prelacy to receive the fatherly blessings of the Prelate.
The group of students arrived at the Western Prelacy under the supervision of the school’s principal, Dr. Souzy Ohanian, and accompanied by teachers and faculty members. In the Dikran and Zarouhi Ghazarian Hall of the Western Prelacy, the students presented a beautifully prepared cultural program consisting of prayers, songs, recitations, and choral performances under the direction of their music teacher Mrs. Lusine Meliksetyan.
A noteworthy aspect of the visit was the impressive manner in which the young Armenian students had memorized prayers, hymns, patriotic recitations, and songs, all of which they presented flawlessly and with great confidence. Especially commendable was their recitation of the classical Armenian prayer “In Faith I Confess” by St. Nerses The Gracious’ (Shnorhali), which several students delivered in a group recitation, verse by verse. Their performance deeply impressed Archbishop Khacherian, who, in his remarks, highly praised the school administration’s Christian centered educational mission and national commitment toward preserving Armenian spiritual and cultural values.
Continuing his reflections, Archbishop Khacherian encouraged the visiting students to fully embrace their Armenian identity and Armenian Christian heritage, and to remain devoted throughout their lives to the spiritual values of the Armenian nation. The Prelate then engaged the students in a meaningful dialogue, sharing his thoughts and offering words of encouragement as they prepared to enter a new stage in their educational journey. Archbishop Khacherian wished the students continued success and many accomplishments in the years ahead.
At the conclusion of the visit, on behalf of the eighth grade students, Dr. Ohanian expressed her appreciation to the Prelate and presented him with a commemorative gift bearing the eagle emblem of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School. Before the students departed the Western Prelacy, Archbishop Khacherian bestowed his fatherly blessings upon the young visitors, describing the prayerful atmosphere they had created as truly exemplary. The Prelate then presented each student with a wooden cross necklace, entrusting the young Armenian students to the protective strength of the Crucified Christ.
