Exhibition of Armenian Art

An exhibition of paintings by Yerevan-based painters will be on display in the Edgarian Hall of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection, 10 Macquarie Street, Chatswood.

Viewing Times:

Saturday 21 April – 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday 22 April – 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday 23 April – 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Curator: Aris Petrosyan from Armenia

Admission to the exhibit is free and open to the public – Click on Pamphlet

2012 Church Family Gathering

On Sunday 18 March the annual gathering of church servants took place with an evening thanksgiving service presided by His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian accompanied by the priests and deacons. The congregation consisted of the many volunteers who give their devoted service to the Church including the diaconate, choir members, organists, ladies auxiliary, leaders and facilitators of Bible study, scripture and Sunday School, Church radio team, youth group, the faithful women who prepare the holy bread (mas) and other dedicated church helpers.

At the conclusion of the Evening (Matin) service, the encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians was read by Reverend Father Avetis Hambardzumyan bestowing the St Nerses Shnorhali Medal upon Church Council Chairman Mr Bedros Zorlu (see news item below).

In his address, the Primate commended the selfless contribution of every church servant and acknowledged the central role of the Church Council led admirably by the honoured Chairman for many years.

Following the church service, a light supper was held in the Edgarian hall with a number of tributes presented. A visual presentation on the establishment of the Armenian Church in Australia marked the 55^th anniversary in 2012; the four longest serving deacons – Deacons Kevork Janoyan and Hovannes Kharadjian for 50 years of service and Deacons Noubar Yangoyan and Haroutiun Hanimian for 40 years – were honoured with commemorative plaques; Ms Haigan Ishkhanian  was recognised on her milestone 80^th birthday for her devoutness to the needs of the Church and welfare centre.

The evening was hosted by the Church Council and in the intimate, joyous atmosphere of the church family, Diocesan Councillor Dr Peter Ansourian paid homage to Archbishop Baliozian on the occasion of his 30^th anniversary of Episcopal consecration.

For photos of the event see the Photo Gallery

St Nerses Shnorhali Medal Bestowed

By the encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, on Sunday 18 March, His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian bestowed the St Nerses Shnorhali Medal to Mr Bedros Zorlu for his exemplary dedication to the Armenian Apostolic Church on the occasion of his 25 years as a Church Councillor.

As a young boy growing up in the sanctity of the Armenian Church in Istanbul, Bedros Zorlu developed a deep love and respect for his Church and his faith. He served as an altar boy and was later consecrated an acolyte and deacon. He also participated in the church choir and in adult life served on the Church Council.

He migrated with his family to Australia in 1983 and his deep desire continued to serve in the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection. He was a founding member of the Church Loosavorich choir and in 1986 he was elected to the Church Council where he has continuously served as a councillor for 25 years, the past five as Chairperson.

Mr Zorlu has been dutifully supported by his delightful wife, Ilda and they have imparted their love for the Church upon their two children and five grandchildren, who in their grandfather’s footsteps are faithful members of the Church children’s choir.

See Photo Gallery

Community Event – Dr Sasa in Sydney

On Saturday 31 March a special community event will be held to present Dr Sasa, an Armenian-speaking Burmese doctor and graduate from Armenia’s medical school.

Dr Sasa was introduced to our community in 2011 through HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust) whose founder and CEO is Baroness Caroline Cox, member of the British House of Lords who also supports the plight of afflicted Armenians in Nagorno Karabagh.

Dr Sasa made a lasting impact in the hearts of those who had the opportunity to hear him speak last year, particularly when he spoke in Armenian. He is an exceptional young man with a remarkable story to tell of an extraordinary mission he is undertaking with his “Health & Hope” organisation.

Click on the link for the pamphlet

Youth Blessing Service on St Sarkis

On the evening of Friday 3 February, a youth blessing service was held to celebrate the Feast of St Sarkis, the patron saint of youth and love. The evening was attended by many young adults with great enthusiasm.

His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian explained that the feast day is celebrated not only by way of church rites but also by folk traditions. The church service included prayers, hymns and Bible readings with youth participation.

It is customary on the feast for youth to pray asking St Sarkis to intercede in their prayers for God to hear. There is also a folkloric tradition for young people to eat salty biscuits the night before the feast and nothing thereafter before retiring to sleep to dream of their future bride/groom.

At the end of the church service, salty biscuits were distributed to keep up with the merriment of the tradition. The evening continued with refreshments and fellowship among the youth and clergy in the church hall.

For photos of the event see Photo Gallery

Message on behalf of NZ Armenian Youth

On the 12^th of January, the Armenian Society of New Zealand was honoured with the visit by His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian. In addition to his duties and meetings in Auckland, His Eminence requested the company of Armenian Youth for a religious and cultural question and answer session. Around 20 Armenian youth from the ages of 14 to 27 attended eager to ask their questions. At the start of the session, His Eminence outlined his intention of facilitating dialogue for the youths to learn about the practices, traditions and heritage of the Armenian Church. In addition to question related to religion, the Armenian youth asked questions relating to the Armenian Diaspora, and the connection between the community in Sydney and Auckland. His Eminence stressed the importance of fostering relations between our communities and stated that with new mediums such as Internet and Facebook, it would be easier to establish links and raise the Auckland community’s profile. The Auckland youth always enjoy seeing His Eminence who very kindly takes time out of his busy schedule to his our small community in Auckland. His Eminence’s vision and presence always breathes life into the Armenian Spirit in Auckland.

(Writer: Rafik Karnik)

ACYA Grassroots Event

On Friday evening, 20 January, the ACYA committee held an event on the church lawn GRASSROOTS. The event was a big success with over 30 young adults attending and having a great time. The committee put in a lot of effort and time to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere from fairy light decorations to Armenian music, food, drinks and sweets to welcome those who came.

The purpose of the event was to re-establish the ACYA group and encourage as many young Armenians as possible to attend the events organised by the committee on a regular basis. This will help young Armenians understand their faith in greater depth and ultimately appreciate their engagement in church life. By organising GRASSROOTS, the committee has effectively increased participation and hopes it will continue to grow.

For photos of the event see the Photo Gallery

School Holiday Fun Camp

More than 40 primary school aged children participated in a 3-day school holiday program held in the Edgarian hall from 16-19 January.  A variety of activities including dance and movement, crafts, games, scripture sessions and face-painting kept everyone happy and entertained. A hands-on tour with Fr Avetis gave the children a better understanding of the church and the vestments and vessels.

On the third day, parents gathered for a final dance performance choreographed during the sessions. Children also played out animal movements to music with their painted animal faces. For photos of the event see the Photo Gallery

Dinner to Tribute Church Deacons

On Friday 23 December a dinner was hosted by the Church Council to tribute the deacons and acolytes who serve the Church so devotedly. The dinner was presided by His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian and attended by the Reverend Fathers, deacons, altar servers, councillors and spouses. Words of appreciation were expressed by the Chairman, Mr Bedros Zorlu and Church Fathers Norayr Patanian and Bartev Karakashian, wishing the servants God’s enabling in their continued service.

ACWC Mothers’ Group Christmas Party

The weekly Young Mothers’ Group, a program of the Armenian Community Welfare Centre had its final session for 2011 on Monday 19 December to celebrate the festive season. Some 50 children accompanied by their mothers and grandmothers joined in the celebrations which included fun and games, food and presents, singing and entertainment as well as a visit by jolly old Santa Clause.

The Young Mothers’ Group is held every Monday morning for mothers and their pre-school infants. The Group will recommence in January and welcomes newcomers. For details contact the welfare office on 9419-6394.

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