November 9, 2026 On the occasion of the centenary of the founding of the Melkonian Educational Institute, a concert was held on October 30, at the Holy Trinity ArmenianChurch in Beyoğlu, Istanbul. The event was organized on the initiative of the Istanbul-based Melkonian alumni, under the direction and with the blessing of His Beatitude Archbishop Sahak II, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople. Among those present were Nayiri Petrosyan, Permanent representative of the Republic of Armenia to the Black Sea economic Cooperation Organization; Very Reverend Father Abraham Fratian of the Armenian Catholic Church; Reverend Father Harutyun Vardapet Damadyan, the dean of the Beyoğlu Armenian Churches; and members of the Beyoğlu Parish council. The program was hosted by Karolin Mamigonyan. On behalf of the Melkonian alumni, words of gratitude were delivered by Dikran Altun, a graduate of the school. The Lusavorich polyphonic Choir performed under the direction of the maestro Hagop Mamigonyan, a former Melkonian student, accompanied on the piano by Rober Doganay. The musical program was dedicated to the memory of the school’s unforgettable music teachers: Barsegh Ganachian, Vahan Bedelian and Sepuh Abkarian. At the conclusion of the concert, His Beatitude presented commemorative gifts to Hagop Mamigonyan, Rober Doganay, the administration of the Lusavorich Choir, the Beyoğlu Parish Council, Very Rev. Fr. Harutyun Vartabed, Shnorik Alyun and Ovsanna Kalender. The final commemorative gift was presented to the Patriarch himself, in gratitude for his patronage of the event and his presence. In his closing remarks, the Patriarch praised Hagop Mamigonian and his students. He particularly noted that although maestro Mamigonyan had studied at Melkonian for only two years, the education he received from Sepuh Abkarian continued to guide and inspire him to touch the hearts of other young people. His Beatitude also thanked the Istanbul-based Melkonian alumni for initiating the celebration. He emphasized that the spirit of the school, which closed its doors years ago, and the purpose for which it was founded had been brought back to life through this concert. The vision of benefactors Grigor and Karapet Melkonian continues to convey an important message to us all: to preserve Armenian education and pass it on to future generations. Very Rev. Fr. Harutyun Vartabed was also thanked for leading the organizational efforts. The celebration concluded with the song Yerevan Dartsav («Երեւան դարձած»). THE MELKONIAN BROTHERS COMMEMORATED IN BEYOĞLU On Sunday morning, 1 November 2026, His Beatitude Archbishops Sahak II, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, presided over the Sunday Divine Liturgy at the Holy Trinity Church in Beyoğlu, as part of the centenary commemorations of the former Melkonian Educational Institute. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Harutyun VARTABED Damadyan, the dean of the Beyoğlu Armenian Churches. The hymns were performed by members of the Lusavorich Choir under the direction of maestro Hagop Mamigonyan, accompanied on the organ by Shant Martik Esmer. Members of the Asoghik Choir also participated in the service. Present were Reverend Father Gevorg A. Chnaryan, Nayiri Petrosyan, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, and members of the Beyoğlu Parish Council. Before the Lord’s Prayer, the Patriarch delivered a sermon on the concept of dedication and commitment. Reflecting on the vision of brothers Karapet and Grigor Melkonian, he recalled that approximately a century ago, the Melkonian School had been established with great hopes and under the patronage of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople. Due to changing circumstances, responsibility for the school’s care was subsequently entrusted to the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). Under its patronage and administration, the school developed over several decades into an important center of Armenian education. However, at the beginning of this century, a decision was made to close the school, giving rise to considerable debate throughout the Armenian world. History, the Patriarch observed, nevertheless continues, and it is essential to assess our opportunities wisely so that our educational institutions may serve the purposes for which they were founded to the fullest extent and ensure the continued vitality of the legacy entrusted to us by our founding benefactors. His Beatitude praised the centennial initiative undertaken by the Melkonian alumni in Istanbul, noting that they had already succeeded in reassessing the history of the school’s foundation, development and eventual closure, taking into account all the important stages of its existence. The Patriarch also reminded those present that a Patriarchal Prayer of Intercession would be offered on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Thereafter, His Beatitude presented three dedicated youngmen. He conferred the rank of subdeacon upon acolytes Marten Chulhajı and Tadeos Shant Karapekmez, presenting them with the insignia of their new ecclesiastical rank: the empty chalice, the liturgical vestments and the arm cuffs. The Patriarch also granted permission to Serjan Gazeroğlu to wear the liturgical stole. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a Patriarchal Prayer of Intercession was first offered in honor of the anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. A memorial prayer was then offered in remembrance of the benefactors of the Melkonian School, brothers Grigor and Karapet Melkonian; its principals, educators, students and supporters; as well as the recently deceased Levon Eraslan, whose funeral had taken place in Iskenderun. Following the ecclesiastical ceremonies, a fellowship reception was held in the Narekian Hall, presided over by His Beatitude Archbishop Sahak II.