On Saturday, September 28, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over a one-day conference organized by the Governing Body of the Western Prelacy Sunday Schools. The conference was held at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale and marked by the commencement of Sunday Schools. Among those in attendance were Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Chairman of the Religious Council of the Western Prelacy, clergy members, dedicated volunteers, directors, and teachers from Sunday Schools.
In line with tradition, every fall, shortly following the commencement of Sunday Schools, the Governing Body holds a conference to review and evaluate the activities of Sunday Schools, address current issues and challenges, and collaborate on developing projects and plans for the upcoming new year.
After the collective recitation of the “Lord’s Prayer” and “Nicene Creed” (Havadamk), Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, who serves as the Secretary of the Governing Body of Sunday Schools, conveyed the opening remarks. The Directors of Sunday Schools then introduced their teaching staff and provided updates on the status of their respective schools. After each Sunday School was presented, Mr. Hagop Tchaghatsbanian, Sunday School Director of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale, led a workshop on the religious and ethical education of the young generation.
Following the lunch break, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian gave a presentation about the challenges and threats impacting the cultural identity, religious, and ethical development of contemporary Armenian children and teenagers. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian also discussed strategies for addressing and overcoming these challenges and threats.
After listening to the presentations, viewpoints and suggestions put forth by the conference attendees, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian specifically emphasized the significance of the mission of Western Prelacy Sunday Schools for our community. The Prelate highlighted the vital role that Sunday Schools play in addressing a significant void in the educational framework of the Armenian community, where there is a lack of Armenian-Christian education, insufficient religious instruction, and our Christian faith is not reinforced within the young boys and girls of the new Armenian generation. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian also emphasized that the new Armenian generation is not adequately prepared to serve the Armenian Church by becoming valuable vessels to contribute to our nation and homeland.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian stressed the significance of Sunday Schools’ educational programs, and addressed the conference participants by stating “It is our expectation that you educate the students entrusted to you with the principles and values of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Faith. Instill in their young souls and minds the faith of the spiritual fathers of the Armenian Church, who embody spiritual, national, and global eternal values.” H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian offered his fatherly blessings to the conference attendees and wished them continued success in their educational mission.
