Community
Posted: 04/29/2026
At the beginning of 2026, with the blessing of the Primate of the Western Diocese of North America, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, a Saturday Armenian School was established in Palmdale, California. Although the community does not yet have its own church or fully developed facilities, it has undertaken an important mission whose first fruits are already visible. This initiative was born out of communal dedication and a conscious desire to preserve national identity, with the goal of becoming a strong pillar for the educational and spiritual formation of Armenian children.
The school’s mission extends beyond the transmission of knowledge; it is devoted to Armenian-centered upbringing, the preservation of the mother tongue, and the strengthening of national values. Despite modest conditions, a nurturing environment has been created where children can discover their culture, church traditions, and historical heritage—integrating them into their daily lives. The visiting pastor, the Reverend Fr. Zaven Markosyan, also offers his consistent support in fulfilling this important mission.
From its very first day, the school has embraced its sacred calling, becoming an important center of unity within the community. On April 4, 2026, with the participation of students and parents, the school celebrated Palm Sunday and the Feast of the Holy Resurrection. The event served as a meaningful opportunity to introduce children to the significance of Armenian feast days, traditions, and cultural heritage.
Throughout the day, the children took part in various games and creative activities, including decorating small trees symbolizing the rebirth of spring and the continuity of life. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of teacher Anna Gasparyan and school principal Oksanna Sargsyan, the celebration took place in a warm and cohesive atmosphere.
The traditional egg game sparked indescribable excitement—it was less a competition and more a wave of joy shared from one child to another. The circle dance became a living chain uniting everyone in a single rhythm, while the tree-decorating carried deep symbolism, reflecting a process of hope and renewal, where each ornament seemed like a new dream hanging from the tree of life. Traditional games revived the past, much like old melodies reborn on the lips of a new generation.
Short performances and demonstrations of strength delighted not only the students but also the attending parents, creating an atmosphere of shared joy and pride.
All of this once again demonstrated that the school’s presence in the community carries an inspiring and unifying significance. It has already become a cornerstone around which community life is taking shape, further strengthening the aspiration to one day have its own Armenian church.
Today, alongside ongoing classes, students are preparing for the year-end program, which will take place on May 30. The school’s extended family is confident that this newly established educational institution will become one of the region’s most important cultural and educational centers, preserving and passing on the enduring light of Armenian identity to future generations.
Oksanna Sargsyan
