Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School in Altadena, CA Destroyed in Eaton Fire

As the windstorm wreaking havoc across Los Angeles County continues to rage, its devastating impact has left thousands homeless, evacuated, powerless, and living in fear. Among the affected areas is Altadena, CA, home to a large Armenian-American community. Tragically, the Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School, a cornerstone of Armenian heritage and education, has been completely destroyed by the Eaton fire.

Pastor Hovhannes Halladjian visited the premises of the burned-down Armenian school in Southern California, showing us the utter devastation. The surrounding houses near the school are also gone.

“Sahag-Mesrob school no longer exists. It’s very painful, but Armenians are strong and they must rebuild a better school. We must come together more than ever,” said Pastor Halladjian.

Founded in 1980, Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School has long been a pillar of the Armenian-American community. Its story began with the vision of Lebanese architect Mike Youssefian, who fled the Lebanese Civil War with his family in 1976 to settle in Pasadena. Deeply inspired by the local Armenian community, Youssefian saw the need for a dedicated Armenian day school—a dream that had faced numerous challenges in the past.

Despite limited resources, Youssefian committed his $10,000 savings as seed money and received an additional $5,000 from Christian businessman Steve Lazarian. Together, they established the foundation for what would become Sahag-Mesrob. Youssefian’s efforts were bolstered by key figures from various Christian organizations and churches, who helped form the school’s Board of Directors.

The inaugural Board meeting, held on January 20, 1980, in Lazarian’s office, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Armenian community. The founding Board included Chairman Mike Youssefian, Vice Chairmen John Jemelian and Andy Afsharian, Secretary Dr. Kegham Tashjian, Treasurer Abraham Haleblian, and Board Members Rev. Vahram Tourian, Miss Ruth Ajemian (Tourian), and Aram Garabedian. The school was named Sahag-Mesrob after Catholicos Sahag Bartev and Mesrob Mashdotz, the creators of the Armenian alphabet, a suggestion made by Armenian poet Jaques Hagopian.

Sahag-Mesrob opened its doors in September 1980 with 80 students in the basement of Bressee Nazarene Church in Pasadena. By 1983, thanks to a $550,000 donation from John Sheen, the school was able to purchase a 1.5-acre property in Altadena. Additional support from the community led to the construction of a chapel and nine classrooms by 1987. The school’s mission to provide a Christ-centered education rooted in Armenian heritage earned it dual accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

For 45 years, Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School served as a beacon of hope, resilience, and faith for Armenian families, preserving cultural traditions while building academic excellence. Its destruction marks a heartbreaking loss for the community, compounded by the uncertainty brought by the fires.

The windstorm fires have deeply affected thousands across Los Angeles County, including countless Armenian-American families. While the immediate focus remains on ensuring safety and recovery, the loss of Sahag-Mesrob shows the urgent need for community solidarity. Local organizations and community members are already mobilizing efforts to support those displaced and begin discussions on rebuilding.