The Diocese
Posted: 05/17/2018
Third grade FLAG students from Glendale Unified School District’s Thomas Jefferson and R. D. White Elementary Schools accompanied by their teachers and parents enjoyed an educational field trip to the Western Diocese on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. With more than 125 participants, the field trip was organized through the collective efforts of Miganoush Melkoian, Teacher Specialist of the FLAG Armenian Program and Mr. Diran Avagyan, Special Projects Manager of the Western Diocese.
The field trip was aimed at cultivating a better understanding of Armenian architecture, language, history, and cultural heritage, in general.
Upon arrival, the students convened in the Turpanjian Plaza where they were greeted by Mr. Avagyan and were introduced to Mr. Hayk Madoyan, the Ecumenical Officer of the Western Diocese, who then led them on a guided tour of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral and the Zorayan Museum in the lower gallery.
In the sanctuary, detailed explanations were provided on the architectural structure and iconography. The fascinated students asked various questions and were provided with thorough explanations.
At the Zorayan Museum, the children discovered historical artifacts and were mesmerized at centuries-old manuscripts, coinage, hand-woven rugs, etc. The students received a unique opportunity to touch a nine hundred-year-old coin from the Hetumid Dynasty of Cilicia.
Since the third graders were studying the history of cross-stones (khatchkars) in their respective schools, a special educational presentation on khatchkars was made by noted sculptor Gaspar Gharibyan, in which he presented various sketches, tools required for crafting and elaborated on the process of the creation of the unique work of art. The presentation was followed by a question and answer session.
The last station of the tour was the Hampar Family Room where the students learned about the history of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church. As a token of their gratitude, the students performed the renowned song “Cilicia.”
At the conclusion of the visit, the students were treated to a pizza lunch and refreshments.
The Western Diocese appreciates the opportunity to host the children and extends boundless gratitude to the administrations of both schools as well as the Glendale Unified School District, hoping that such educational excursions will become established traditions.
