Houston Armenian School Turns 40

St. Kevork Church of Houston, Texas, marked the 40th anniversary of its Armenian School with services and a festive program on Sunday, November 23. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with the Rev. Fr. Martiros Hakobyan, parish pastor, assisting.

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PRESS OFFICE

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)

630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Contact: Chris Zakian

Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558

E-mail: chrisz@armeniandiocese.org

Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net

December 12, 2014

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HOUSTON ARMENIAN SCHOOL TURNS 40

St. Kevork Church of Houston, Texas, marked the 40th anniversary of its Armenian School with services and a festive program on Sunday, November 23.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with the Rev. Fr. Martiros Hakobyan, parish pastor, assisting.

Following services, parishioners gathered outside for the dedication of a new playground on church grounds. The playground was built in memory of the late Dr. Shahan Vartivarian, a young podiatrist and former St. Kevork Church parishioner who passed away last March.

At a banquet later that afternoon, parish council chair Vreij Kolandjian welcomed guests with a toast. Former Armenian School student and current parish council member Areg Sahakian served as master of ceremonies. He reflected on the vision and legacy established by the school's founders and spoke about the school's important task of helping young Armenians learn about their heritage, a theme further discussed by Fr. Hakobyan.

"The Armenian School is a place where faith and heritage are fostered, and where character is built," Fr. Hakobyan said. "Our children gather here every week to learn the Armenian language, history, music, and culture."

Parish council member Tony Masraff said that St. Kevork Church is the focal point of the Houston Armenian community, and encouraged the parish to build up programming such as the Armenian School.

"As a united Armenian community, we need to continue to plant the seeds for the future," he said. "With your support, we can improve the school for our next generation of children."

Current and former students presented a program of song, dance, instrumental music, and poetry recitations. Archbishop Barsamian presented "letters of blessing" to the former and current principals of the Armenian School, highlighting their contribution to the school and the local Armenian community.

He also thanked the school staff for their dedication, and congratulated the students and parents whose commitment to the school has kept its doors open for four decades. He also extended his gratitude to Fr. Hakobyan and Yn. Hasmik Hakobyan for their leadership.

"The Armenian people are dispersed throughout the world, but wherever we have put down roots, we have also enriched and strengthened our identity. And Houston is no exception," Archbishop Barsamian said. "It is wonderful to see our Armenian heritage preserved and passed down from one generation to the next here at St. Kevork Church."

Two dedicated couples—Khatchik and Ani Mardickian and Henrik and Aida Nazarian—were honored with the Diocesan "St. Vartan Award" for their many years of service to the Armenian Church.

The banquet concluded with the cutting of the 40th anniversary cake. As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, special edition "Houston Parish Calendars" were prepared and distributed by the Armenian School board. 

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Photo attached: A new playground was dedicated at St. Kevork Church in memory of the late Dr. Shahan Vartivarian.