Agbu Schools Students Visit The Western Diocese

Diocesan clergy pay regular monthly visits to Armenian schools in the area in an initiative to create a lasting bond between the students and the Armenian Church. On March 9 and March 10, the schools returned the favor by visiting the Headquarters of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in Burbank.

On Wednesday, March 9, the 8^th grade students of AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School led by their teachers and school principal visited the Western Diocese where they were welcomed by the Diocesan Youth Director Dn. Artak Khachikyan, the Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, the Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan and the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

Addressing the students, the Primate spoke about the establishment of the Western Diocese, its history which spans for nearly nine decades and the significant role of the religious institution in the preservation of the Armenian identity. 

After being treated to a pizza luncheon, the students received religious books and pamphlets published by the Western Diocese.

On the following day, the graduating seniors of the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian School and the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School paid a visit to the Diocese. Accompanying the students were Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian and the principals of the schools Dr. Armine Movsisyan and Mrs. Arpi Avanesian, respectively.

In his message to the students, Archbishop Derderian said “After graduation, you will embark on a new chapter in your lives. Remember to love one another with the divine love of God and to carry on the Christian values which we commonly hold in reverence. Uphold the sacred traditions of the Armenian Church, for you are the torchbearers of the rich legacy of your forefathers.”

On March 18, the Diocesan clergy will distribute Holy Communion to the students of Armenian Schools in the area.