Five years ago, the Diocesan Council launched the “Friends of the Diocese” program, which aims to gather people around the Diocese who, believing in its mission, bring their moral and material contribution to its development and progress. In appreciation of the “Friends” alliance, a “Tree of Life” was placed on one of the walls of the Diocesan Centre last year, with each “leaf” representing the name of a benefactor. That tree was prepared, mounted on the wall and generously donated by Mr. Harry Tashjian. It was blessed on 6 May 2023, during the cocktail party in honour of our “Friends”.
Every year, usually in May, the Diocese thanks its “Friends” with a cocktail party and invites them and new candidates to participate in this program.
This year, on Saturday 25 May 2024, more than fifty people participated in the cocktail party, under the auspices of His Eminence. The active and capable ladies of the Diocesan Ladies’ Guild prepared delicious dishes, which were greatly appreciated by the attendees.
After the shared Lord’s prayer and the blessing of the table by Archbishop Najarian, the Master of Ceremonies, Deacon Nishan Basmajian, invited the Chairman of the Diocesan Council, Mr. Sarkis Der Bedrossian, to deliver his welcoming speech. Mr Der Bedrossian conveyed His Eminence’s appreciation to those present, wished good health to all those “Friends” who could not be present due to ill health, expressed his condolences to recently deceased friends and expressed his gratitude to the Friends of the Diocese for their sincere support.
His Eminence explained the spiritual and national work carried out by the Diocese during the past year for the benefit of the Australian Armenian community, Artsakh, the Motherland and the Ecumenical Family, in which the Armenian Church plays a major role.
Deacon Nishan Basmajian spoke and briefly presented the financial outlook of the Diocese, and stated that a quarter of the budget would be secured thanks to the financial support of the Friends of the Diocese. With his words of respect, he referred to the “Friends” who have separated from us and encouraged new “Friends” to replace them.
Indeed, it was greatly encouraging to see new Friends of the Diocese who offered their participation in this program, understanding the importance and mission of the Diocese.
Near the Tree of Life, led by His Eminence and with the participation of Reverend Fathers Avetis Hambardzumyan and Miuron Avedisian, a blessing was held for all the old and new Friends of the Diocese.
The friendly atmosphere became more relaxed with the officialities over. Many of those present conveyed their suggestions to His Eminence and members of the Diocese.
The official part of the memorable evening ended with the closing prayer and blessing of His Eminence, after which the guests continued their intimate, pleasant and fruitful conversation.
