“Little Angels” Saturday School Begins The 2026–27 Academic Year

“The greatest treasure of our heritage is our language.”
— Paruyr Sevak

Every year, as summer draws to a close, the courtyard of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank is transformed into a small yet deeply familiar celebration, filled with children’s voices, the joyful smiles of parents, reunions among teachers who have missed one another, and the scent of new books. After the summer break, a journey begins once again—a journey whose purpose is not simply to impart knowledge. Here, each new academic year is a new opportunity to learn, discover, and love the Armenian language, history, culture, and faith.

This year, that cherished tradition continued. On August 15, 2026, “Little Angels,” one of the largest and most respected Armenian Saturday schools in the Diaspora, opened its doors for the 27th consecutive year, welcoming approximately 370 students.

At the beginning of the opening ceremony, Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan addressed the students and their parents before inviting the Diocesan Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, to deliver his message. Wishing everyone a successful year ahead, he emphasized the importance of the academic journey. He expressed the hope that each week the children would take home at least one seed—a seed of knowledge, love, faith, and goodness—that, in time, would take root and bear fruit in their lives.

Together with the students, parents, and teachers, the Primate led the school community in prayer for the well-being of the school family, the steadfastness of the Armenian Church, and the homeland.

One of the most important foundations of the school’s success and longstanding mission is undoubtedly its dedicated staff, led by Principal Dn. Hovhannes Gumruyan. Alongside him are the devoted teachers who, each Saturday morning, generously give their time, knowledge, and love to their students.

In his remarks, the Principal expressed his gratitude to the Diocesan Primate, noting the blessing of receiving the paternal love and care of Archbishop Derderian, whom he described as one of the Armenian Church’s most active and respected spiritual leaders. He asked the Archbishop to visit the school frequently and to keep the “Little Angels” continually in his prayers.

He also noted that this academic year marks a special milestone for longtime teacher Mrs. Ruzan Baghdasaryan, who is celebrating her 20th anniversary of service at the school. On behalf of the school community, she was presented with a beautiful surprise bouquet in recognition of her dedicated service. Archbishop Hovnan then offered a special prayer of blessing for her and presented her with a symbolic cross.

Following the formal opening ceremony, the excitement and joy of the first blessed school day continued in the classrooms.

It is worth noting that countless generations of children have traveled this same path at “Little Angels” Saturday School. Children who once entered their classrooms for the very first time have, years later, graduated from seventh grade. Many of them, in turn, have undoubtedly continued to pass on the values they received here.

And therein lies the school’s greatest achievement. Its true measure of success is not simply the number of students who complete a grade or the number of Armenian words they learn. Its real success is seen when each child carries with them a deep awareness of what it means to be Armenian—and, in time, passes that awareness on to the next generation.

While September 1 does not carry the same significance in the United States as it does in Armenia, one thing remains certain: as long as there are children in the Diaspora learning in the spirit of St. Mesrop Mashtots, the mission of preserving our Armenian identity will continue.

May the 2026–27 academic year be a year of new knowledge, meaningful accomplishments, lasting friendships, and Armenian-centered education.

May every child return home from this school not only with new knowledge, but also with a heart filled with a deeper love for the Armenian language, Armenian culture, the homeland, and the faith.

A blessed beginning to the 2026–27 academic year.

A blessed journey, “Little Angels” Saturday Mother School.

And may the script of St. Mesrop Mashtots continue to live on, from generation to generation.

Gayane Gevorgyan
Teacher