GLENDALE–Glendale Armenia’s marked the anniversary of three very important institutions that have served the community over the past 25 years. The evening was under the patronage of Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian–and included the participation of Anoushavan I Artinian–Nareg I Shirikian–Razmig Khatchatourian–Vazken Atmajian–and Ardag Demirjian–five present and former pastors of the church
Twenty five individuals took part in an impressive candle-lighting ceremony–which was to symbolize the appreciation felt by the community towards these establishmen’s. The master of ceremonies for the evening was Chairwoman of the banquet organizing committee Rima Boghosian. Chamlian School Principal Vazken Madenlian–Tufenkian Preschool Director Arsineh Aghazarian–and Chairman of the Board for St. Mary’s Armenian Church Stepan Kabadayan spoke on behalf of their respective institutions.
In their remarks–all members of the community who were involved in establishing or contributing to these organizations were thanked. Present were City Council member Raffi Manoukian–Benefactors Ralph and Savy Tufenkian–Prelacy Executive Board Chairman Attorney Arsen Danielian and various members of political bodies and Board of Trustees.
Rima Boghosian mentioned the important role these institutions have played in helping Armenian immigran’s from such countries as Iran–Lebanon and Armenia adjust to the community–especially considering the fact that many of these countries underwent and still are experiencing political and socio-economic difficulties.
Director Arsineh Aghazarian announced the recent accreditation of the Tufenkian Preschool by the National Academy for Education of Young Children.
Chairman Stepan Kabadayan–founder of St. Mary’s Church–remembered the first major benefactor to the church Hilda Der Minassian and her children Ara and Marlen–important stages in the church’s history and he expressed hope that the church would be blessed with a new dome in the near future.
The official program concluded with a final candle-lighting ceremony that was led by Rima Boghosian and Stepan Kabadayan.