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