PASADENA, California – His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, arrived at the Levon and Hasmig Tavlian Preschool and Kindergarten this week as part of his pontifical visit, where he toured both the school and its newly acquired adjacent property. The Catholicos was greeted by students, teachers, administration, the School Board, members of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Schools, St. Sarkis Church Board members, the founding benefactors of the school Vahe and Nora Tavlian, and community leaders, who gathered with great enthusiasm to welcome him.
His Holiness Aram I was escorted by His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church; clergy; members of the Western Prelacy Executive Council; and the Central Executive Board of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Upon entering the school, the Catholicos was greeted by kindergarten students who offered the traditional bread and salt: symbols of hospitality and blessing.
"The presence of His Holiness Aram I is a profound honor and a lasting source of inspiration for our school and community. His vision, rooted in the principles of education, justice, and the preservation of Armenian identity, continues to inspire us to pursue our mission with greater dedication and purpose: to prepare new generations who will proudly carry forward the enduring legacy of our people,” stated Dr. Garine Joukadarian, Director of Tavlian Preschool and Kindergarten. "This blessing ceremony stands as a testament to our shared determination, not only to build physical structures, but also to nurture dreams. It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the Armenian school as a foundation of enlightenment, faith, and patriotism, where each generation is nurtured to become conscious, faithful, and devoted Armenians."
During his tour, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I visited classrooms, spending time with the students and engaging them in conversation. The atmosphere was warm and uplifting, allowing the pontiff to personally connect with the students and hear their heartfelt patriotic songs and poems.
“The expansion of Tavlian Preschool and Kindergarten reflects our shared commitment to providing more opportunities for our children to learn and thrive while staying deeply connected with their heritage,” said Pattyl Aposhian Kasparian, member of the Board of Regents of the Prelacy Armenian Schools. “It is an immense honor that His Holiness Aram I was able to witness this moment of progress and bless the new property. His presence affirms the vital importance of strengthening and expanding Armenian schools to meet the needs of future generations.”
After a moving performance by the kindergarten students, His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khacherian formally welcomed the Catholicos, expressing the community’s profound joy for his presence and leadership. Among the distinguished guests was California State Assemblymember John Harabedian, who presented a certificate of recognition to His Holiness and conveyed his deep honor in sharing this momentous occasion with the Catholicos.
“The pontifical visit of His Holiness to Tavlian Preschool and Kindergarten is a moment of spiritual and educational renewal. It is a blessing that inspires our children and educators and reaffirms the vital role of our faith in shaping the next generation,” stated His Eminence Archbishop Khacherian.
In his message, Catholicos Aram I reflected on the profound spiritual and national importance of Armenian education. His Holiness emphasized that the Armenian school stands at the heart of national preservation and renewal, highlighting how vital it is to continue building and expanding our schools; and that it is within the walls of the Armenian school that we blossom; and through education, we grow and become deeply rooted in our heritage.
“Armenian schools are a powerful affirmation of our national identity and collective belonging,” His Holiness said during his remarks. “The Armenian school is a sacred place where our identity is nurtured and our sense of belonging strengthened. It is a constant struggle and a firm commitment not only to be Armenian, but to remain Armenian; our Armenianness is an inseparable part of who we are as human beings.”
The presence and blessing of His Holiness marked a truly historic moment for Tavlian Preschool and Kindergarten, as well as for the Pasadena Armenian community. The celebration stood as a powerful testament to the enduring and critical role of Armenian education in preserving cultural identity and strengthening the bonds of faith and community across the diaspora.