Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection

Youth Blessing Service on St Sarkis

laura — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:32:50 +0000

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

ACYA Grassroots Event

laura — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:33:35 +0000

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

laura — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:34:24 +0000

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

laura — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 23:36:51 +0000

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

laura — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:10:25 +0000

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.

ACYA Youth Forums

laura — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:44:01 +0000

A core group of youth actively participated in two youth forums this month effectively voicing their opinions about the relationship between the church and the youth. Having discussed a number of initiatives and programs, a working group was established to set ACYA in motion.

The ACYA youth will start the new year with “Grassroots”, a social youth night on Friday 20 January. Like us on Facebook at ACYA – Sydney to find out more about upcoming plans.

Pectoral Cross Bestowed

laura — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:40:25 +0000

On Sunday 20 November during the Divine Liturgy, Reverend Father Avetis Hambardzumyan, parish priest of the Church of Holy Resurrection was presented the pectoral cross by His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the Diocese. The cross was bestowed by the pontifical blessing of His Holiness Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians on the occasion of the Reverend Father’s third anniversary of ordination.

Read the Armenian Press Release

Divine Liturgy in Singapore

laura — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:24:17 +0000

On Tuesday 15 November, Reverend Father Bartev Karkashian returned to Sydney having celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Singapore on Sunday 13 November under the direction of His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand. The Reverend Father also had the opportunity to meet with the Armenian community of Singapore on Saturday evening for a cultural gathering devoted to a showcase of music.

Read the Armenian Press Release

Special Bible Study & Morning Tea

laura — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:59:34 +0000

Thursday Ladies’ Bible Study Group took on special meaning on 27 October with the morning devoted to Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), an annual international health campaign organised by major breast cancer charities every October.

The purpose of BCAM is to raise awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also aims to remind women to be breast aware for earlier detection.

The theme of the morning tea was to ‘wear something pink’ and the subject matter of the day’s Bible study was on the hope and comfort that comes from God alone as we depend on Him even during times of adversity,

In an endeavour to learn more about breast cancer and its effects, ladies joined in a Breast Cancer Awareness quiz which gave everyone greater insight on the disease and the importance of regular testing for early diagnosis and risk prevention.

The ladies enjoyed a sumptuous morning tea which started with plates of ‘ful medames’ (fava beans) followed by sweets and cakes. In a wonderful atmosphere of socialising, conversation and friendship, the small group of women raised $500. A further $220 was raised the following day through the generosity of participants of the ACWC aged day care program.

Though fundraising was not the intended purpose of the event, it was to raise awareness, the heartfelt donations amounting to $720 were transferred to Breast Cancer Australia Network.

Primate attends 9/11 Interfaith Commemoration

laura — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:26:39 +0000

In the afternoon of Sunday 11 September, His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand accompanied by Reverend Father Bartev Karakashian attended an Interfaith Memorial Service at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney to remember those killed in the 9/11 attacks. The 10^th anniversary commemoration was co-organised by the Consul-General of the United States in Sydney, Mr Niels Marquardt and former Consul-General of Australia in New York, Mr Ken Allen.

The service was attended by heads of churches united with interfaith brethren of Islam and Jewish faiths. Representatives from each of the faith communities addressed the congregation with words of solace and tributes to the victims of the most significant terror attack the world has ever seen.

The tragedy of 9/11 shook the entire world and affected countless families in many nations with the loss of loved ones. Australia was not immune from this pain with ten Australians losing their lives on that fateful day. The names of the ten victims were solemnly read in memoriam. Family members of these victims were among the invited guests attending the service.