On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, eighty-eight 2024-2025 academic year graduates of the Armenian Catholic Mesrobian High School and Technical College received their diplomas during a festive ceremony in an atmosphere of satisfaction and great joy, under the patronage of Monsignor Mashdots Zahterian, Patriarchal Vicar for the Patriarchal Clergy Institute of Bzommar and Superior of Convent of Bzommar.
More than 1,050 guests were present, including religious leaders, the Consul of the Republic of Armenia to Lebanon, the Representative of the International Organization of the Francophonie in the Middle East, former and current state figures, principals of Lebanese-Armenian schools, representatives of communal, political, military and cultural organizations as well as the press, members of the school's superintendents and teaching staff, in addition to parents.
After the ceremonial entrance of the graduates and after listening to the national anthems of Lebanon, Armenia, and Mesrobian, the opening speeches were delivered by graduates Serly Moughalian and Perla Jawharji, followed by the address of Mr. Gregoire Kaloust, Principal of Mesrobian High School and Technical College.
Mr. Kaloust expressed his gratitude to the sponsor of the event, Monsignor Mashdots Zahterian, noting that Father Mashtots is a graduate of Mesrobian College and that his presence symbolizes the contribution that Mesrobian College has made to spiritual service and intellectual progress, from Lebanon to the four corners of the world. “Father Mashdots embodies through his person the idea that Mesrobian is not only an educational institution, but also one of the foundations of our community structure and a forge that prepares human potential,” said the Principal. He expressed his gratitude to the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate led by the Catholicos-Patriarch of the House of Cilicia, His Beatitude the Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI, for His constant care and concern for the school. He then expressed his gratitude to the parish priest of St. Savior Church, Father Sahag Keshishian, Mesrobian’s chaplain, under whose leadership the students are educated in spiritual values.
After listing the successes recorded during the past academic year in the areas of spiritual education, Armenian upbringing, scientific, technical and linguistic studies, physical education, educational orientation, student health care, development of relations with the educational community and intellectual environment and teacher training, Mr. Kaloust made important statements about the educational innovations expected in the coming year.
Thus, a positive response from the French educational authorities regarding the successful conclusion of Mesrobian’s homologation process is expected in the near future. “This step will be a major advancement on the path of Mesrobian’s international recognition and will be an unprecedented achievement on the Lebanese and Armenian levels.”, said Mr. Kaloust. Second, starting next year, Mesrobian will introduce the French baccalaureate program starting in the 10th grade, and third, next year’s program will include the teaching of AI and artificial intelligence to students. “This is the inevitable direction of modern life and we must prepare our students to be leaders in that future, not followers.”, observed Mr. Kaloust.
Addressing the graduates, the Principal expressed three wishes: “Strengthen your seriousness in your approach to life, perseverance in order to maintain a strong will not to be discouraged or give up in the face of difficulties, and diligence which is the only path to success.” He then thanked the parents, the school staff members as well as those supporting them, emphasizing that the efforts and commitment of each one were the solid foundation on which the success of the students and the reputation of the school are built.
On this occasion, Mr. Kaloust announced that the graduating class student Perla Jawharji wins the Mesrobian ‘Kevork Hajian Memorial Award’ for her best results in Armenian subjects this year, thanks to which she will participate in the annual ‘Hamazkayin’ Forum. He then presented certificates of honor to the graduates who received the highest grades in their respective classes for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Speeches on behalf of the graduates were delivered by Hagop Tchapadarian, Maria Koshoyan, Alex Kalayjian, and Lea Keshishian, who expressed their gratitude to the Mesrobian administration, the teachers and parents for the sacrifices and efforts they made for their education from kindergarten to their graduation. In the artistic section, the graduates performed musical instruments, sang Armenian and foreign songs, performed Armenian and Greek dances and then passed on the Mesrobian Shield to their successors.
In his fatherly message, Monsignor Mashdots Zahterian fondly recalled the day of his graduation ceremony at Mesrobian 20 years ago, noting that being a Mesrobianer has always been an honor and a duty for him, wherever he has been and in all the responsibilities he has undertaken.
The most reverend father greatly appreciated the activities of the school’s administration and staff, thanks to which new generations enter the world with a strong human, national and Christian character and values.
Monsignor Mashdots addressed a special word of appreciation to the parents, emphasizing that the Armenian school remains standing thanks to the sacrifice, national consciousness and care of Armenian parents. He observed that these merits are invaluable, especially considering the world-changing alterations that will take place in all fields, including the field of education which is changing day by day with the rapid advancement of technology.
Reverend Father Zahterian wished the students to fearlessly move forward into the depths of knowledge and learning, expand their horizons and, relying on their roots, keep the name of Mesrobian high for the glory of Saint Mesrob Mashdots, his fellow fathers, Armenia, and the Armenian people.
The ceremony ended with the distribution of the diplomas, followed by the cutting of the cake and the congratulations amidst fireworks.
Photos: PROM 2024-2025