Father Sahag Keshishian’s sermon at the Holy Mass for the Re-Entry of Mesrobian High School’s teachers, at the St. Savior Church, on 19/09/2025
We have gathered today at the re-entry meeting of the teachers of the Armenian Catholic Mesrobian High School for the 2025-2026 academic year in order to prepare well for the return of this year and throughout the year to jointly develop effective programs to educate our future generation. Thus, we will also contribute to enriching the 87th academic year’s page in the history book of our school with unforgettable memories and new successes.
However, this year is special and unique, because one of the brothers of the founding Congregationalists of our school, the Bzommar Congregational Fathers, will be officially declared a Saint on the altars of the Universal Church. This great historical and spiritual event is a source of pride for the entire Christian community and in particular for our nation, our confraternity and ultimately for our school.
The news of the canonization of St. Ignatius Maloyan and the fame of his holiness is our mission, dear ones, whether we are clerical or secular.
Indeed, the testimony of St. Ignatius Maloyan’s life requires from us not only deep faith, but also a sense of responsibility, a commitment to service and a spirit of sacrifice. I address you in particular, dear teachers, because from now on each of us is indebted to adopt the life of St. Ignatius Maloyan and continue his mission by following his example. In a word, we must transform our psychology according to the psychology and lifestyle of the saint and, following him, let us also try to radiate the Light of Christ everywhere.
Therefore, I will try to summarize in five points and present to you St. Ignatius Maloyan’s exhortation to our school.
1. St. Ignatius Maloyan’s childhood and education
Shukrallah Maloyan was born in 1869 in the city of Mardin (present-day Turkey). From the age of eight, he showed great love for the church, prayer and knowledge. He received his primary education at the Catholic school of Mardin and was known for his obedience and virtuous behavior. Seeing his faith, calling and love of service, the local parish priest sent him to the Bzommar Monastery to continue his education and master Philosophy and Theology. Over the years, his love for faith and education grew and strengthened.
Dear teachers, here we already see the first topic which is related to us. St. Maloyan was both a student and a teacher. He was deeply convinced that without education, it was impossible to lead the people to true salvation.
2. Pastoral service
In 1896, Maloyan was ordained a celibate priest. From the first years, he paid great attention not only to providing spiritual nourishment to the faithful, but also to their cultural and intellectual development. Maloyan was sure that a strong faith should be combined with a strong mind and a healthy lifestyle.
In 1911, he was ordained as an archbishop and the leading father of Mardin. And here opens the most important page of his mission: he became a shepherd who not only preached for his flock, but who was also ready to sacrifice his life.
3. During the persecutions
During the Armenian Genocide of 1915, persecutions also reached Mardin. The Ottomans tried to force Archbishop Maloyan to renounce his faith and accept Islam. He heroically refused with these words: “Dear children of the Armenian people, continue to hold fast to your dual identities, your religion and your nation, for it is for these two that you were persecuted by the genocidal regime." He also said: "I will never, never deny and betray Jesus Christ, my savior, I will not deny the doctrine of the Catholic Church... To shed my blood for my faith is one of my most beloved goals... Torture me, tear me to pieces, I will never deny my Christian faith..."
Maloyan was separated from the deportation caravan and subjected to torture and mockery. When he reached a place called "Kara Keopru", 3 hours away from Dikranagerd, he asked: "Where are my children?"
On July 11, 1915, the Turks made a last attempt to convert him, but in vain. Enraged, a Turkish soldier fired a bullet into his neck and our saint fell to the ground, uttering his last words: “Lord, have mercy on me, into your hands I commend my spirit,” and thus he gave up his spirit.
4. Testimony as an example for teachers
Dear teachers, what does the life of St. Ignatius Maloyan teach us?
• First, it teaches that a true teacher does not only impart knowledge, but also educates souls. Maloyan taught his followers not only to pray, but also to live courageously for the faith.
• Second, it teaches that a teacher must live by the values he teaches, like Maloyan, who not only spoke about faith, but became a testimony himself.
• Third, it teaches that education is a path to freedom, justice and salvation.
5. Maloyan's message to our times
Today, our people are also facing various trials, especially in Lebanon and Armenia. Although we do not have the same persecutions as in 1915, we face other dangers: indifference, moral weakness and obliviousness of values. St. Maloyan invites us to remain steadfast, faithful and loving alongside our belonging.
Dear teachers, your mission is not only to teach, but also to create a generation that will be able to withstand trials. Following Maloyan’s example, you too can be “Witnesses of the Holy Word” for your students.
St. Ignatius Maloyan was martyred, but his blood became a seed. Today, he teaches us that in love and faith we find true victory.
May you remain steadfast in your mission, with the intercession of Bzommar’s Our Lady of Sorrows. May Mesrobian School be not only a constellation of knowledge, but also a witness to faith, justice and love. Amen.