On November 2, 2026, under the guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Kechichian, Chaplain of Mesrobian Armenian Catholic High School, secondary school students embarked on a pilgrimage to the Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Monastery of Bzommar. Taking place the day after the Feast of All Saints, the pilgrimage offered students an opportunity to express their love and reverence for the saints of the Armenian people, particularly Saint Ignatius Maloyan, whose first anniversary of canonization was recently commemorated.

Upon arriving at the monastery, the students participated in the Holy and Immortal Divine Liturgy, praying with devotion and reflecting on the spiritual significance of the occasion.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Mashdots Zahterian, Patriarchal Vicar of the Patriarchal Clergy of Bzommar and Superior of Bzommar Monastery. In his homily, reflecting on the Parable of the Sower, Fr. Mashdots emphasized the importance of sowing, nurturing, and cultivating the seeds of faith in people's hearts so that they may bear good fruit. He particularly highlighted the necessity of providing spiritual education to younger generations. As a Mesrobian alumnus himself, he also expressed his joy at witnessing the students' conscious and enthusiastic participation in the religious celebration.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the students were divided into two groups and took turns visiting the monastery's sites of historical and cultural significance.

Guided by Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Louissian, whose explanations enriched their visit, the students explored the monastery's museum, discovering the rich history and centuries-old heritage of the Armenian Catholic Church. They also visited the monastery's wine cellar, learning about its history and activities.

One of the most moving moments of the pilgrimage was the visit to the museum dedicated to Saint Ignatius Maloyan and the Hall of Martyrdom. Through the explanations of  Rev. Fr. Sahag Kechichian, the students gained a deeper understanding of the saint's life, his testimony of faith, and the spiritual significance of his martyrdom.

Under Fr. Sahag's guidance, the students then visited the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where they offered prayers in her miraculous presence, expressing gratitude to the Mother of God for her intercessions. They subsequently proceeded in a solemn procession to the bust of Saint Ignatius Maloyan, accompanied by a relic of the saint. The spiritual program of the pilgrimage concluded with prayers offered at this sacred site.

At 12:30 p.m., spiritually enriched and in high spirits, the students returned to Mesrobian High School.

This pilgrimage to Bzommar Monastery provided the students with a meaningful opportunity for spiritual renewal, a deeper appreciation of their national and ecclesiastical history, and the strengthening of their faith. Beyond discovering the monastery's remarkable heritage, they experienced a unique encounter with faith and Christian values through prayer, reflection, and active participation.

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