The Eastern Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum graduated four of its students during a special virtual celebration on October 22.
Graduating students Lara Altiparmak, Victoria Devian, Lori Hashasian, and Lara Muratyan were the focus of the online program—a long awaited milestone for them since the original live event, scheduled for last spring, had been postponed due to the pandemic.
Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel addressed the Khrimian Lyceum participants, just prior to presiding over an ecumenical service at St. Vartan Cathedral, for peace and justice in Artsakh. He underscored the critical importance of faith and the power of prayer. In addressing the precarious situation of our countrymen in the homeland, the Primate affirmed: “Prayer is our most powerful weapon.” He congratulated all involved in the Khrimian Lyceum for their efforts in one of the Diocese’s most successful, long-running programs.
Gilda Kupelian of the Diocesan Armenian Studies department acknowledged the concerted efforts of Armenians across the diaspora in support of their compatriots, and underscored that it was more urgent than ever before for Armenians to learn about their faith, language, and cultural values, through programs like the Khrimian Lyceum and local parish Armenian schools. She expressed her appreciation and congratulated staff members, parents, and students for their commitment to the Armenian language and cultural heritage.
Each of the graduates read their Khrimian Lyceum Pledge to remain faithful to our church, participate in the advancement of our nation and culture, and become faithful citizens of the land we live in. They then read their graduation speeches with references to the four-year course of study that enhanced their appreciation of the Armenian heritage, and promised to continue their journey in that vein, much to the delight of the attendees.
For 33 years now, the Eastern Diocese has offered the Khrimian Lyceum as a prestigious “immersion program” in the Armenian heritage and culture, open to graduates of local parish Armenian schools. The flagship Lyceum traditionally meets monthly on Saturdays at the Diocesan Center in New York; similar programs have been held in other regions of the Diocese.
Click here to view screenshots of the 2020 virtual graduation.