In an occasion filled with joy and hope, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, led a heartfelt Blessing Service at St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys on Tuesday, June 3rd for the graduating Class of 2025 of AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School. 

Surrounded by proud parents and devoted teachers, the graduates lifted up prayers of gratitude and received Holy Communion, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter in their lives.

This cherished tradition—established by the Primate himself—offered a spiritual send-off, embracing the graduates with blessings and encouragement as they prepare to step into the world. With fatherly affection, Archbishop Derderian commended the students for reaching this significant academic milestone. He urged them to walk forward with courage, fortified by faith, as they encounter the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Mr. David Ghoogasian, Head of School. On behalf of the graduating class, remarks were delivered by Mihran Mozian (in Armenian) and Hooys Dorian (in English).

His Eminence extended heartfelt congratulations to the parents and offered his sincere thanks to the school’s dedicated faculty and administration for their unwavering commitment to shaping young minds and hearts.

Adding to the significance of the day, the Primate invited Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian to address the graduates. Throughout the school year, Dr. Tchilingirian had guided the 12th grade students in monthly seminars exploring contemporary social and moral issues. He now offered them one final inspirational message. He said:

Dear Graduates,

Today, you take a meaningful step forward—not just as students finishing school, but as young adults stepping into the world—with new freedom, new choices, and new responsibilities.

We are gathered in this beautiful Armenian Church as a community of faith and heritage to celebrate this important milestone in your lives.

On this special occasion, I would like to offer you a few thoughts—as guideposts—from the deep, living tradition that has shaped Armenians for centuries: the Armenian Christian faith.

Our faith has always taught that true strength comes not from power, but from character.

Indeed, the highest achievements in life are not just measured by success, but by how we live—with honesty, self-reflection, and care for others.

As you begin your university journey, keep three values close:

1. Live your daily life with integrity.

Let your actions match your words. In a world that often asks or challenges you to compromise, remember that the truth—spoken or lived—will always stand firm. The Armenian Church calls us to be sincere and honorable—even when no one is looking.

2. Lead your daily life with kindness.

Leading your daily life with kindness means choosing to be the reason someone smiles, even when no one’s watching—it’s quiet strength that builds a better world, starting with you. Every small act of compassion you show plants seeds of change you might never fully see, but they matter deeply. The words of Christ—“Love your neighbor as yourself”—are not just religious ideals; they’re everyday choices.

3. Stay rooted in who you are.

You come from a people that was the first to adopt Christianity, a nation who turned faith into a way of life, who carried the cross not just on churches, but in their hearts—with resilience, sacrifice, and hope. As you embark on your new journey to new horizons, let this legacy ground you like roots to the earth—not to hold you back, but to help you rise stronger and reach farther.

Faith is not about having all the answers—it’s about carrying a light through the questions. Let your education shape your mind, and let your values and faith shape your soul.

We, your teachers and mentors, are so proud of how far you’ve come. But even more than that, we’re hopeful about how you’ll carry your faith, and your Armenian heritage, into the world.

The road ahead will bring success and challenge, joy and failures—to learn from. And through it all, let fairness, humility, and purpose guide your steps—because those are the values that truly last.

May your journey be full of meaning. May your life reflect the very best of the family and community that raised you—the family and community that will stand with you throughout your life.

Congratulations!