“Georges Khabbaz: ‘I am proud that Lebanon has schools like Mesrobian, which educate the new generation with high human values.’”

On May 8, 2026, the Armenian Catholic Mesrobian High School experienced an exceptional cultural day as it welcomed one of the brightest figures of Lebanese art, the multi-talented artist, actor, and writer Georges Khabbaz.

Khabbaz held a meaningful meeting with Mesrobian students, discussing numerous topics related to education, art, and Lebanese heritage. The gathering was attended by high school students, faculty and staff members, headed by the school principal, Mr. Gregoire Kaloust.

The program began with the anthems of Lebanon, Armenia, and Mesrobian School, followed by a student-produced video presentation highlighting Georges Khabbaz’s rich artistic journey. Maria Havarian delivered the opening remarks and introduced the day’s program.

Mesrobian students presented excerpts from Khabbaz’s theatrical and literary works with remarkable artistic quality. Rita Pepeian and Hrag Tarayan performed “The Mother’s Return” from the play Ma' el Wa'et... Yimken, while Sako Nazlikian and Giorgio Mshaka presented “The Soldier’s Record” from the play Halla’ Wa’ta.

Sarkis Jernezian recited the poem Bhebbak (“I Love You”), while Khabbaz’s poem Hkayet Watan (“The Tale of a Homeland”) was performed accompanied by Nayiri Arnelian on the duduk.

The highlight of the meeting was the Q&A session, during which Georges Khabbaz spoke openly and warmly with the students. He reflected on his personal and professional experiences, his art, his values, and the attitude young people should adopt toward art and toward Lebanon as a homeland.

Khabbaz expressed his deep emotion and appreciation for the meeting, highly praising the students’ artistic performances and especially congratulating them for their thoughtful questions. “I am proud that my country has schools like Mesrobian, both as institutions and educational communities  that, alongside academic learning, raise a new generation with high human values and deep faith in beauty and goodness,” said the artist. He stressed that this reality guarantees that Lebanon will continue its journey through art, love, and freedom despite wars and challenges.

For the students of Mesrobian, this gathering was not merely a visit, but a profound experience through direct interaction with one of the leading figures of Lebanese culture.

At the conclusion of the event, Mr. Robert Toranian delivered a speech of gratitude, while student Serge Kurdian presented Khabbaz with one of his paintings as a gift.

School principal Mr. Gregoire Kaloust expressed great satisfaction for the exceptional encounter with Georges Khabbaz, an artist who has become beloved across Lebanon and the Arab world through his art and humanistic message. He described Khabbaz’s journey, achieved through perseverance and hard work, as highly inspiring and educational for students. The principal also expressed his gratitude to Arabic Language Coordinator Adham Dimashki and Arabic language teacher Robert Toranian for organizing the event and highly praised the students’ participation in carrying out the program. Mr. Gregoire Kaloust presented the distinguished guest with the school’s commemorative emblem as a token of gratitude and appreciation. The meeting concluded with Georges Khabbaz signing the school’s golden guestbook.

“See the photos here — Georges Khabbaz Visit.”