Parishes
Posted: 05/29/2026
On Sunday evening, May 17, 2026, the “Petag” Saturday School of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena concluded the 2025–2026 academic year with a magnificent student program held at the church’s Galoustian-Tunayan Hall. Amid joyful celebration and heartfelt emotion, the school rang its final bell, marking the close of another successful year dedicated to Armenian education, faith, and culture.
This year’s end-of-year program was woven around the theme, “Spring and Motherhood Are Twins,” a noble and poetic concept that inspired the performances presented by each class and individual student. Through songs, recitations, and reflections glorifying Armenian mothers and the beauty of spring, the students brought warmth and tenderness to the stage.
The event opened with the reverent, unified singing of the National Anthem of the Republic of Armenia and the beloved school hymn, “We Are the Children of the Armenian Nation.” Following the opening ceremony, school principal Norair Tatourian welcomed the audience and extended warm greetings to parents and guests. In his remarks, he reflected upon the accomplishments of the academic year and introduced the school’s future initiatives. Thereafter, students adorned in the colors and flowers of spring took the stage according to their age groups.
The kindergarten students, under the guidance of teacher Ani Marcelian and volunteer assistants Marmar Ekizian and Derev Daduryan, delighted the audience with their innocence, joyful dancing, and boundless enthusiasm. They first recited the tender poem “Welcome Fathers and Mothers,” then performed the songs “Kindergarten Butterflies” and “One, Two, Three, Four.” Particularly remarkable was the transformation of these young students, who only a year earlier were entirely unfamiliar with the Armenian language. Thanks to the devoted efforts of Ani Marcelian, these little “bees” have already begun joyfully “buzzing” in Armenian.
The first-grade students, led by teacher Azniv Seraytarian, recited a poem dedicated to mothers as well as the poem “Armenia: My Distant Homeland, My Glorious Homeland” authored by Mekhitarist Father Vahan Vartabed Hovhannesian. Although these children attend American schools, they articulated their mother tongue beautifully and presented their performance with admirable enthusiasm, reflecting the dedication and loving instruction of their teacher.
The second-grade class, under the direction of teacher Maral Davidian, prepared both poetry recitations and a humorous folk dance performance. The students recited the poem “Mesropian Letters,” while young student Aren Grigor passionately presented “The Road to School.” The class then performed a much-anticipated comedic dance that vividly brought to life scenes from traditional Armenian village and lyrical life. The tasteful choreography and staging, crafted by teacher Maral Davidian, earned enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Finally, the senior class, students of principal Norair Tatourian, took the stage and presented a beautiful bouquet of literary selections dedicated to Armenian mothers. Excerpts from the works of Hovhannes Shiraz, Vahan Totovents, Raphael Patkanian, Paruyr Sevak, Patuvakan Khachatrian, and other beloved Armenian authors were eloquently recited by the students.
The students concluded with a heartfelt collective message:
“Today is a radiant spring day and your celebration, dear mothers. Today you are more tender, more beautiful. May all the flowers of spring blossom for you and offer you sunny smiles… Spring and motherhood are twins. Spring is life, filled with a mother’s life; spring is love, filled with a mother’s love. Spring and motherhood are joy. Happy Mother’s Day, dear Mother!”
This year, thanks to the generous donations of the Stampolian, Sepetchian, and Guyumjian families, the “Petag” School enriched its curriculum with music and dance instruction. Through the dedicated work of renowned young dance instructors Patil and Cynthia Alparian, as well as pianist and educator Elmira Simonian, the students transformed into a vibrant choir and dance ensemble.
The final portion of the program showcased the fruits of this artistic labor. The newly formed “Petag” choir performed “To All Mothers,” “Today Is Friday,” “Spring, Spring, Spring,” and “Open Sky, One Country,” songs celebrating Armenian motherhood and the colorful beauty of the Armenian homeland. Thereafter, the students once again took the stage to perform the powerful Yarkhushta dance of Sasun and Moush, stirring pride and emotion throughout the hall:
“Within the mountains there is struggle,
Within the stones there is song and dance,
Within the hands there is strength and valor,
Victorious is the Armenian dance.”
At the conclusion of the program, Principal Norayr Daduryan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the devoted faculty, volunteer young women, members of the parents’ committee, talented dance instructors, and music teacher. He also announced that the school, founded in 1965, has decided to publish its very first yearbook during the 2026–2027 academic year, preserving the rich history of the institution for future generations.
The parish pastor, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, then addressed the gathering with heartfelt remarks. He reflected upon America as a “melting pot of languages,” where every language, if neglected, faces the danger of disappearing. “But look,” the pastor declared, “how today our stage rejoiced with the Armenian mother tongue, Armenian song, and Armenian dance.”
Fr. Sarkis commended the parents for every sacrifice they make to provide their children with an Armenian upbringing and extended his blessings to everyone serving the school, from the principal to the volunteer assistants. He concluded his remarks by praying the “Protector” prayer, offering his final blessing, and inviting the audience to sing the Lord’s Prayer together.
Then came the emotional climax of the evening. Amid a standing ovation and resounding applause, Principal Norayr Daduryan rang the school’s copper handbell for the 60th time, officially declaring the 2025–2026 academic year concluded.
This year’s celebration also featured a delightful surprise. Dance instructors Patil and Cynthia Alparian invited all students and parents into the school courtyard and announced that they would teach the simple yet beautiful movements of the Tamzara dance. As the music began, daughters danced with their fathers and sons with their mothers, performing the beloved Armenian Tamzara together. At the conclusion of the dance, many expressed the heartfelt wish that Tamzara become an annual family tradition at “Petag” School’s year-end celebrations.
The “Petag” Saturday School operates under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. It is one of the Diocese’s 17 Saturday schools serving Armenian children who attend American public schools.
Now, “Petag” and its little “bees” are enthusiastically preparing to participate in Pasadena’s large Armenian festival on Saturday, May 30, where they will once again present their songs and dances on the grand stage.
In addition to Armenian language instruction, “Petag” School provides its students with spiritual formation and national-cultural education. National, religious, and cultural feasts and traditions occupy a central place in the school’s educational programs.
Registration for the 2026–2027 academic year is now open. For enrollment or additional information, interested families may visit Petag School Official Website or call (626) 660-9443.
School Correspondence
