HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I VISITS PILIBOS SCHOOL
10/13/2011
LOS ANGELES, ANTELIAS – On the morning of Thursday, October 13, 2011, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I arrived at Rose and Alex Pilibos School where he was greeted by Principal Dr. Alina Dorian, Director of ARS Mary Postoian School Mrs. Takouhey Saatjian, faculty, and students who were gathered in the courtyard to enthusiastically welcome His Holiness to their school.
His Holiness was accompanied by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, prelate, Clergy and Council members, and participating in the visit were members of the Board of Regents, School Board, ARF Karekin Njteh Gomideh, and parents.
After the traditional blessing of salt and bread and a collective prayer, Vice-Principal Charles Loussararian and Principal Dr. Alina Dorian welcomed His Holiness and expressed their gratitude for his visit.
The Prelate emphasized that the institution that is the Armenian School is a focal point of the Pontifical Visit and one of the top priorities of His Holiness, and invited the Pontiff to share his message.
His Holiness delivered an inspiring and motivational message in which he stressed that the Armenian School is where the future of our nation is built. He spoke of the Armenian School as a place where faith and heritage are fostered, where character is built, the bedrock and foundation on which our nation is built, and concluded by commended the administration, faculty, and affiliated bodies for their service to our students.
After taking a brief tour of the school and witnessing the artwork prepared for him by the students, His Holiness and entourage headed to the school gym where students presented a cultural program of recitations, song, and dance. A few students were also given the opportunity to ask their candid questions to His Holiness.
The program came to a close with the singing of the Cilician anthem by the students.
His Holiness and entourage headed back out to the courtyard where the students assembled to kick off the school’s first ever Walk-a-Thon. The 5 kilometer long Walk-a-Thon began with the cutting of the ribbon by His Holiness.
A reception in honor of His Holiness followed, during which a discussion on various issues took place. We are grateful to our Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, who graciously obliged our request to arrange for the Pilibos family to be graced by His Holiness’ blessings, on this important occasion ” said Dr. Alina Dorian.
