On February 10, His Holiness Karekin offered the Divine Liturgy in the Armenian Apostolic Church of St Mary. In attendance were Diocesan and Parish Councillors, representatives of sister churches and Armenian organisations with numerous faithful Armenians.

The procession, which was also attended by clergy of the sister churches, led the Catholicos of All Armenians to the church, where he was assisted by Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan  and Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian during the Divine Liturgy.
In his homily, His Holiness once again conveyed his blessings and message to the Armenians in Melbourne.

“It is a great joy in our souls today that through God’s graces we visited you and brought the greetings from our native country- from your sisters and brothers and we also brought the light and blessings of Holy Etchmiadzin…..”

Click here to read the media release of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Following the Divine Liturgy, an Armenian Cross-stone (Khachkar), installed on the church grounds to honour the Pontifical visit of the Catholicos of All Armenians to Melbourne, was unveiled and blessed. On this occasion His Holiness also conveyed his blessings to the faithful Armenians who had contributed to the installation of the Khachkar.

In the evening, a banquet was held in honour of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of Armenians with the various sectors of the community represented in unity.