Bible Study Youth Social Night

On Sunday 12 June, youth Bible study took a twist with a break from learning and topical discussions to an evening dedicated solely to socialising. It was a good opportunity for everyone to become more closely acquainted and to forge stronger friendships over delicious Armenian kebab, music, fun and games.

Youth aged 18 onwards gather in the church hall every Sunday fortnight for a warm atmosphere of fellowship when issues of interest are discussed and explored from a scriptural perspective. The sessions are led by the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Avetis Hambardzumyan.

For information on upcoming youth nights contact Fr Avetis in the church office on 9419-8056.

See photos in Photo Gallery

Fr Hambardzumyan Celebrates Divine Liturgy in Melbourne

On Sunday 5 June, Reverend Father Avetis Hambardzumyan, Parish Priest of the Church of Holy Resurrection celebrated the Divine Liturgy and gave the day’s sermon at St Mary’s Armenian Church in Melbourne on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Ascension. On this occasion the Armenian Apostolic Church also celebrates the significant historical relocation of the Armenian Catholicosate in 1441 from Sis to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Read the Armenian Press Release

Pastoral Visit to New Zealand

His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the Diocese of Australia made his annual pastoral visit to the mission parishes of Auckland and Wellington on Thursday 2 June. He was accompanied on the trip by Very Reverend Father Giragos Davtyan, parish priest of St Mary’s Armenian Church in Melbourne and Ms Marina Avagyan, Co-ordinator of ‘Voice of the Armenian Church’ radio program.

During the five day visit, Divine Liturgy was held at the missions as well as warm community gatherings and home hospitality. Despite the chilly and windy elements, the community of Auckland braved the weather for the blessing of graves.

The small but vibrant communities were richly rewarded by the pastoral visit which is highly anticipated each year.

See photos in Photo Gallery

Read the Armenian Press Release

Centenary Celebration

On the occasion of Mothers’ Day, His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian accompanied by Armenian Community Welfare Centre staff visited Mrs Antaram Krikorian to present her with a special letter of congratulations for her 100th birthday from His Holiness Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Mrs Krikorian, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide gratefully acknowledged the honour bestowed upon her, thanking the Primate who also gifted her a cross necklace.

 

Easter Fun

On Monday 18 April, 2011 the Mothers’ Group of the Armenian Community Welfare Centre gathered for an Easter celebration with children actively joining in games and traditional Easter activities. Painting eggs and an egg-cracking competition accompanied with Easter fare made for a fun morning of friendship.

The Mothers’ Awareness Group runs every Monday morning from 10.30am at the Church of Holy Resurrection. We warmly welcome the mothers of our community with their children to join the group.

Feast of St Ghevond and His Companions

On Tuesday, 1st March 2011 the Feast of St Ghevond and his companions was marked in the Church of Holy Resurrection with the Divine Liturgy presided by the Primate of the Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian. The Liturgy was celebrated by Reverend Father Avetis Hambardzumyan and the day’s sermon was given by Very Reverend Father Giragos Davtyan, parish priest of St Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Melbourne.

Following the church service, a gathering was held in the Edgarian Hall when presenters, Mrs Ida Soghomonian and Ms Marina Avagyan addressed the significance of the Feasts of Ghenondats and Vartanants (on Thursday) that have impacted on the enduring faith of the first Christian nation.

Read the Armenian Press Release

 

Sunday School recommences

On Sunday, 20 February 2011 the Sunday school doors reopened at the Church of Holy Ressurection welcoming children into a joyful learning environment to share the Word of God. With plenty of fun games and activities planned by a dedicated team of facilitators we hope parents will encourage their children’s participation and recognise the importance of Christian education.

Sunday school is open to children aged 4-12 years from 10.45am to 12pm. Enquiries can be made to the church office on 9419-8056.

2011 Honorary Life Members

On Saturday, 29 January 2011 the Church Council hosted its annual gathering for the church family at a cocktail reception in the Edgarian Hall which also honoured three couples (church members) who have contributed meritoriously to the Church of Holy Resurrection. The recipients of Honorary Life Membership were Deacon Hagop and Mrs Alice Chahinian, Mr and Mrs Leon and Ani Apochian and Mr and Mrs Harout and Osan Keoroghlanyan.

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