Today, January 21, 2025, marked the first day for Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School students to continue their 2025-2026 school year at the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Cultural Center in Pasadena, after the tragic Eaton Fire destroyed their campus in Altadena, reports Zartonk Media.
The students were officially welcomed to their new temporary home during an opening ceremony that served as a poignant moment of resilience and community support. The event brought together key figures from Sahag Mesrob and AGBU, along with principals from other Armenian schools, including Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, Armenian Mesrobian School, Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School, and AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School, highlighting the collective effort that made this transition possible.
Anna Babayan, Sahag Mesrob School Association Chair, and Arlin Titanian, Chairlady of the School’s Board of Directors, delivered heartfelt remarks expressing gratitude for the solidarity and generosity shown by AGBU and the wider Armenian-American community. Sahag-Mesrob Principal Maral Boyadjian highlighted the resilience and determination of the students and families during this challenging time.
Kevork Zoryan, Chair of AGBU Western Region, emphasized the importance of standing together during difficult times, underscoring AGBU’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Sahag Mesrob students can continue their education in a safe and nurturing environment. Also present were Gohar Stambolyan, Director of AGBU Western Region, and David Ghoogasian, Head of School for AGBU MDS, further emphasizing the shared commitment to education and community rebuilding.
In a powerful testament to the strength of unity, also in attendance were the principals of several Armenian schools, including Sossi Shanlian of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School, Dr. Souzy Ohanian of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, Talin Kargodorian of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, Lena Garabedian of Armenian Mesrobian School, and Shogher Shanoian of Merdinian School.
The AGBU Central Board, working with its Western Region leadership, acted swiftly to provide the use of the cultural center, ensuring a seamless transition for 190 students from kindergarten to eighth grade. This temporary relocation, which will serve as their home through the 2025-2026 school year, provides stability and continuity for the Sahag Mesrob community as they begin the rebuilding process.
The Eaton Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, caused widespread devastation across LA County, displacing thousands of residents and destroying countless structures, including Sahag Mesrob’s campus. Remarkably, a khachkar (Armenian cross-stone) was the only item to withstand the flames, standing as a symbol of faith and resilience.
