“Little Angels” Saturday School: Nurturing Armenian Identity In The Diaspora

The strength of a nation is not measured by borders alone, but by the preservation of its language, faith, culture, and collective memory. Wherever Armenians reside, the Armenian Apostolic Church and Armenian educational institutions continue to safeguard and transmit the spiritual and national heritage of the Armenian people to future generations.

“Little Angels” Saturday School of St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral in Burbank, California is among these cherished institutions. Operating under the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the school has become a vibrant center of Armenian education, spiritual formation, and cultural preservation. Through the devoted leadership of Deacon Hovhannes Gumruyan and the dedicated service of its teaching staff and volunteers, “Little Angels” Saturday School ranks among the largest Armenian one-day educational institutions in the world.

The school welcomes students from both Armenian and American educational backgrounds, offering a dynamic environment where children deepen their connection to the Armenian language, history, culture, and Christian faith. Its educational and spiritual mission has earned broad recognition throughout the Armenian diaspora.

The 2025–2026 academic year began with the annual Armenian language teachers’ conference at the Western Diocese headquarters, where more than one hundred educators gathered to reflect on the vital role of Armenian education in preserving national identity. Throughout the year, the school’s programs and celebrations reinforced this sacred mission.

On September 27, 2025, the academic year commenced with prayer and a commemoration of the 44-day Artsakh War, honoring the memory of the fallen and reaffirming the enduring bond between diaspora Armenians and the homeland. During the school’s autumn cultural festival, students and families celebrated Armenian heritage through music, fellowship, and community service. In keeping with a cherished tradition, donations collected during the event were directed toward schoolchildren in the border villages of Voskepar and Khoznavar in Armenia.

Christmas, New Year, and April 24 commemorations likewise became meaningful opportunities for students to experience Armenian identity through faith, prayer, remembrance, and cultural expression. Established by UNESCO in 1999, on February 21, International Mother Language Day, students received Armenian books, while the school continued expanding its digital and technological resources to enrich the educational experience.

One of the year’s most significant milestones was the expansion of the school into a seven-year program. Graduating students presented final projects exploring the breadth of Armenian history and heritage, offering thoughtful reflections on the resilience and continuity of the Armenian nation.

The year-end graduation celebration, held on May 16, marked a joyful culmination of the academic year. Students from various grade levels presented poems and songs dedicated to the Armenian alphabet, homeland, and national spirit. In his remarks, Rev. Deacon Hovhannes Gumruyan emphasized that the Armenian alphabet is not merely a system of letters, but a sacred foundation of Armenian identity, memory, and existence.

During the ceremony, Rev. Fr. Nzhdeh Keshishyan conveyed the message and blessing of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who praised the school for its unwavering commitment to Armenian spiritual and national values. The Primate also extended his appreciation to the clergy, administration, teachers, parents, and volunteers whose united efforts continue to shape a new generation firmly rooted in faith and Armenian identity.

A special tribute was dedicated to Dr. Ellie Andreasian, chairperson of the Saturday Schools Academic Committee, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of her educational ministry. Students and faculty expressed their gratitude for her lifelong service to Armenian education and the Western Diocese.

As the 2025–2026 academic year concludes, “Little Angels” enters a new chapter of growth and innovation. Beginning next year, the school will launch a new after-school extended-day program, providing transportation and a continuous Armenian educational environment for students throughout the week.

Enrollment for the 2026–2027 academic year will begin on July 1, with classes commencing on August 15.

Serine Aramyan
Teacher