On Thursday, February 10, 2022, Greco Roman wrestler Artur Aleksanyan, an Olympic gold medalist (2016), silver medalist (2021) and bronze medalist (2012) met with the student body of the St. Gregory A & M Hovsepian School and also visited St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Pasadena, CA. After exiting from the church, with “Mer Hairenik” playing in the background and tri-colored flags waving in the air, the students warmly welcomed and cheered on Aleksanyan.

The program began with Mr. Shahe Mankerian, Principal of the Hovsepian School (pre-K – 8th grade) welcoming Aleksanyan on behalf of the student body. Mankerian praised the beloved national hero of Armenia and Olympic champion from Gyumri, Armenia and thanked him for visiting the school. He then thanked the Tekeyan Cultural Association Metro Los Angeles chapter for helping to arrange today’s visit. Mihran Toumajan from the Tekeyan Cultural Assocation Metro Los Angeles chapter provided a brief biography about Aleksanyan to the students. Aleksanyan then humbly addressed the students and answered their questions one by one.

Mankerian introduced Carl Bardakian, Chairman of the Tekeyan Cultural Association Metro Los Angeles chapter presented Aleksanyan with a copy of Avetis Bairamian’s Armenian language publication Armenian Sports Encyclopedia. 

The program concluded with Principal Mankerian presenting Aleksanyan with a small gift on behalf of the school and each class having the opportunity to take photos with Aleksanyan. Afterwards, Principal Mankerian led the champion on a tour of the school where he visited with the pre-school students.