Preserving Our Heritage: Archbishop Derderian Meets With Hovsepian School Students

On October 13, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, visited the Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena. His Eminence was accompanied by the Rev. Fr. Nzhdeh Keshishyan and warmly welcomed by Principal Mr. Shahe Mankerian and Deacon Arin Parsanian, assistant to the church’s pastor, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan.

Addressing the students, Archbishop Derderian shared his desire to learn from them, inviting them to reflect on an essential question: How can we preserve our Christian faith, Church, and Armenian language for future generations? The students eagerly offered a variety of thoughtful responses, highlighting their understanding of the responsibility entrusted to them as young Armenians.

His Eminence reminded the students that October is dedicated to culture in the Armenian Church, emphasizing the importance of preserving the rich religious and cultural heritage that defines Armenian Christian identity. He encouraged them to cherish their faith, uphold their traditions, and remain committed to passing this treasured legacy on to future generations.

The visit concluded with a warm exchange and a prayer, reaffirming the enduring bond between the Church and its mission to nurture the faith and identity of the younger generation.