The 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Catholic Mesrobian High School is being celebrated throughout this special educational year.

As an event in the series of events offered for this occasion, on Thursday, 5th of March, 2009, at 8:00PM, in Hovhannes Faradjian Hall, the Armenian Catholic Mesrobian High School administration organized a book ceremony for the newly printed "The Student's Prayer and Song Book".


The opening speech was addressed by Mrs. Garine Tashjian, editor of Mesrobian Messenger and responsible of extra-curricular activities. In her speech, she emphasized on the importance of the book and thanked Father Garabed Tateossian for the efforts that he put into effect to prepare the prayers and collect the songs. She also gave a brief biography about the late Msgr. Father Mesrob Jourian, who was the principal of Mesrobian High School from 1969 till 1981, and to whom this publication is dedicated.

In his turn, Mr. Gregoire Kaloust welcomed the presence. He pointed out the fact that the development of the school can not be carried on through the infrastructure progress alone, but also through the publication of such religious books, which will help the students to build up and become better human beings. He stressed that Mesrobian High School is committed to provide the spiritual and national education besides the academic curriculum.


The artistic program followed the speech of the principal. Karnig Panossian recited "Pray, my Friend" poem by Hagop Pambakian. Kevork Keshishian performed "Aria" by Sebastian Bach on the flute.

Following that, Father Mesrob Topalian was invited to analyse the content of the publication. He observed that a prayer is "a dialog of love" that strengthens the relationship between man and God. He concluded that "this book offers to the believer a collection of prayers, psalms, hymns, Christmas poems and other poems dedicated to Saints".


The artistic program resumed by the singing performance of the Terminal (Grade 12) class, who presented the "Lamb of God" hymn. Following that, Mr. Vartan Hovsepian, a Mesrobian graduate, performed the songs "Under the Cross" and "The Way of the Cross" on his guitar.

In the name of the Patriarchal Clergy Institute of Bzommar, Father Parsegh Baghdasarian addressed the audience. He said: "Today, we, as Armenian Christians, observe the birth of this beautiful prayerbook, which will become our weapon to fight the difficulties of this world. And since Mesrobian High School still exists, true Christians exist as well. Therefore, as Mesrobian High School students, we must remain true Christians and Armenians, like Father Mesrob Jourian. I pray that each one of us lives his faith and nationality."


The book ceremony concluded by its Armenian traditional aspect: the "Book-wine Offering Ceremony", which was done by His Excellency Msgr. Father Vartan Ashkarian, Most Reverend Father Kevork Yeghiayan, Reverend Father Yeghia Yeghiayan, Reverend Father Mesrob Topalian, Reverend Father Parsegh Paghtasarian, Father Garabed Tateossian and the principal of the college, Mr. Gregoire Kaloust.

Following the "Book-wine Offering Ceremony" the Most Reverend Fathers inaugurated the renovated center of Mesrobian High School Alumni.