Sister Marie Tcheftelian

At an early age, Sister Hripsime answered God’s call to be religious.  She became a Sister of the Congregation of Immaculate Conception.  She responded to any assignment with a smile and FIAT. “Yes I will.”

Born in Jounieh, Lebanon on Ocotober 17, 1926, to Arshalouys and Bedros Chiftelian, Sister Hripsime left Beirut in 1943 for the Mother House in Rome.  Upon completing her religious training, she became a member of the Order in 1946.  Later, Sister found herself back in Beirut at the Hripsimiantz Varjaran where she would remain for 13 years, teaching Religion, French, and Mathematics.  During the course of her stay, Sister worked at the Bzommar Vank Orphanage for one year as Director of the Orphanage.  Heeding to the call of obedience, in 1963, Sister Hripsime departed for the United States.  She was among the first three Sisters to accept the assignment and challenge to start a school in the Philadelphia area.  After studying English and mastering the language at Cabrini College, Sister Hripsime, along with Sister Arousiag and Sister Valentine, founded the Armenian Sisters Academy.  For 14 years, Sister committed her life to educating Armenian-American children with unending patience, love, and compassion.  Much to the Philadelphia community’s dismay, Sister was called to Rome to be assigned as Mistress of Novices to train the postulants and novices for Religious life.  After four years, she was called back to the United States to establish a new school in the Los Angeles, California area where she remained for 9 years.  Elected as Vicar General, Sister returned to Rome and served in that capacity until 2006.  At the same time, she resumed her role as mistress of Novices.  In 2007, a glorious homecoming brought Sister back to us in Philadelphia where she was a beacon of hope, love, and inspiration. 

Sister’s constant smile and love of God and prayerful presence remind us that all things are possible with God’s help.  Thank you Sister for the vision you had for the Armenian Sisters Academy in Radnor.  The Armenian Sisters Academy will continue to serve our community and honor your legacy forever.