Mothers’ Group Christmas Party

On Monday 20 December, 2010 a Christmas party was held for mothers and children who attend the weekly Monday morning sessions from 10am to 12pm organised by the Diocese’s Armenian Community Welfare Centre.

With the school holidays, the party was extended to include siblings of all ages with some thirty infants, children and youth taking part in a fun-filled morning of Christmas cheer. Songs, poetry, games and presents, with a visit from Santa Claus made for a joyful atmosphere in the church hall.

His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian and Reverend Father Avetis Hambardzumyan joined the Mothers’ Group much to the delight of the children.

See photos in Photo Gallery

Inaugural Celebration of the Divine Liturgy

On Sunday 19 December, 2010 Reverend Father Avetis Hambardzumyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the first time in the Church of Holy Resurrection, Sydney having been appointed to the parish by His Holiness Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

 During the service, His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the Diocese bestowed four acolytes with the stole (ourar) which permits them to perform some of the duties of a deacon. The deserved four were Christopher Nazarian, Vahag Vartan-Boghossian, Garren Pezikian and Patrick Abolakian.

 Father Hambarzumyan also delivered the day’s sermon reflecting on the importance of putting faith into action in our daily lives and not simply expressing one has faith.

 Following Holy Mass, a reception hosted by the Church Council was held in the Primate’s rooms to officially welcome the Reverend Father. At the same time, the families of the newly installed stole bearers gathered with representatives of the Diocesan and Properties Councils to celebrate the dual occasions.

See photos in Photo Gallery

Arrival of New Priest to Sydney Parish

After much anticipation, on Tuesday 14 December, Reverend Father Avetis Hambardzumyan made his safe passage to Sydney with his wife, Yeretsgin Hasmik and 10 month old son, Sargis. They were warmly welcomed at the airport by Church Councillors.

Following their arrival, the Reverend Father with his family made their way to the Church of Holy Resurrection to be received by the Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian.

Father Avetis has been appointed to serve in the parish of Sydney by His Holiness Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

The Reverend Father will celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Sunday 19 December.