On Saturday 30 November 2024, the annual Church Family Christmas Dinner of the Holy Resurrection Church hosted by the Parish Council was held in the Edgarian hall filled to capacity with church servants. Presided by Archbishop Najarian, also in attendance were the Parish Priests, Diocesan Council and Properties Committee members as well as volunteers from the diaconate, church choirs, Ladies Auxiliary (ACLA), Youth Auxiliary (ACYA), Ancillary body, Sunday school, Radio program, Scripture teachers, Mas ladies, Diocesan Ladies Guild, Armenian Community Welfare Centre (ACWC) and church office staff.
Mrs Marina Avagyan-Tchaprazian introduced and presented the life, work and service of the evening’s honouree, Mrs Azniv Iskenderian who has devotedly served the Church of Holy Resurrection for the past 50 years. Calling upon Parish Pastor Reverend Father Avetis Hambardzumyan who reflected on the vast contribution of Mrs Iskenderian’s activities in the church especially in the ACLA and ACWC, he invited the honoured guest to receive a plaque and flowers in recognition of her service presented by Parish Council Chairman Mr Zaven Yaghljian. On this occasion, the Church of Holy Resurrection awarded Mrs Iskenderian Honorary Life Membership. Father Hambardzumyan stated how the decision to bestow this honour by the Parish Council upon her with her late husband Hagop was decided months ago, well before his untimely passing. He lovingly suggested how Hagop would be looking happily from above upon the well-deserved honour granted to his dear wife.
Mrs Iskenderian was then invited to say a few words who eloquently spoke about her love for the church and what it has meant to her to be a part of the church family serving the community. Mrs Vachoohi Mardirossian, a fellow ACLA committee member of many years tenderly reminisced on their service together and thanked Mrs Iskenderian for her years of guiding leadership and commitment as the ACLA Chairwoman. In his address, Archbishop Najarian conveyed his fond memories of the days he would spend talking with Mrs Iskenderian and her husband when he first arrived stating he viewed her as a sister with the warmth shown to him. He recounted the virtuous qualities of devotion she demonstrated which he came to appreciate and admire throughout the years.
