Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Visits The Year-End Ceremony Of St. Andrew Armenian School

On Saturday, May 18, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, visited St. Andrew Armenian Apostolic Church to attend the year-end ceremony of the parish’s Armenian Schools. The gathering became a joyful celebration of Armenian language, faith, culture, and the enduring commitment of the community to Armenian education.

During the program, the Primate was delighted to witness the young students beautifully reciting inspirational poems in Armenian, reflecting both their linguistic growth and deep connection to their heritage. The heartfelt presentations of the children filled the hall with joy and pride, offering a moving testimony to the vitality of Armenian education in the diaspora.

Addressing the students, parents, teachers, and parish faithful, Archbishop Derderian expressed his wholehearted gratitude to the parents for their steadfast belief in the preservation of the Armenian language and identity. He also commended the devoted teachers for their compassionate instruction and tireless dedication, as well as Rev. Fr. Datev Harutyunian for his years of faithful pastoral guidance and care in nurturing the spiritual and educational life of the parish community.

As a token of his paternal love and appreciation, Archbishop Derderian presented crosses to the students and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their educational pursuits, reminding them that the Armenian language and faith are sacred treasures that connect them to their history, culture, and spiritual inheritance.

For the past seventeen years, St. Andrew Armenian Apostolic Church has hosted its Eastern Armenian School, whose primary mission is to teach Modern Eastern Armenian through the study of the alphabet, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, reading, and writing comprehension. Through stories and lessons, students also become acquainted with Armenian cultural heritage and significant moments in Armenian history, helping them develop a deeper understanding of their roots and identity.

In addition to the Eastern Armenian School, St. Andrew Armenian Church is also home to its longstanding Western Armenian School. Founded in 1962, the school has faithfully served generations of Armenian youth by teaching Western Armenian language, history, culture, theater, dance, and music through engaging and creative educational methods. The school continues to provide children and youth with a safe and nurturing environment where they not only learn, but also build lifelong friendships under the guidance of experienced and dedicated volunteer teachers.

In 2012, on the occasion of the school’s 50th anniversary, the Western Diocese and St. Andrew Armenian Church officially renamed the institution the Anahid Nalvarian Armenian School in honor of its founder, Mrs. Anahid Nalvarian, who devoted her life to the school and its mission since its establishment.

The year-end celebration stood as a beautiful affirmation of the enduring mission of Armenian schools within the life of the Church—forming generations firmly rooted in faith, language, culture, and national consciousness.