Pontifical Visit Continues in Melbourne

On February 8, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians with his retinue; accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Australia and New Zealand and Diocesan Council Chairman Mr Sarkis Der Bedrossian arrived in Melbourne in the late afternoon for the second leg of the Pontifical Visit.

The following morning the Catholicos of All Armenians visited the Armenian Apostolic Church of St Mary in Melbourne, where the “Hrashapar” service was held. His Holiness was welcomed with enthusiasm by the representatives of the Armenian community, united in the church on this blessed occasion. They were led by Parish Pastor Reverend Father Khacher Harutyunyan and the Parish Council.

Following the “Bread and Salt” service, His Holiness blessed the people and under the singing of the “Hrashapar” was escorted to the church where a joint prayer service was held. Archbishop Najarian, on behalf of the present faithful, welcomed the Pontifical visit of the Catholicos of All Armenians to the Armenian Diocese of Australia and New Zealand, particularly in Melbourne, stressing the importance of the visits of His Holiness to the Armenian community and invited His Holiness to convey his blessings and message to the pious people.

His Holiness expressed his delight that by God’s will he once again visited them to bring his Pontifical love and blessings of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Armenian spiritual centre.

At the conclusion, His Holiness wished that the Australian-Armenian community always be bright and prosperous, be abundant with new achievements, church-building and patriotic successes.

Following the “Protector” prayer, the faithful had the opportunity to kiss the Holy Right Hand of His Holiness and receive crosses as blessing of Holy Etchmiadzin after which the Catholicos of All Armenians met with students of the Aginian and Hamazkaine Mesrob Mashdots Saturday Schools in the church hall. Welcoming remarks from the Principals of the two schools and a cultural performance by the students provided the program for the afternoon. His Holiness conveyed his blessings upon the children, urging them to be the worthy descendants of our holy ancestors. He also bestowed his blessings to the teaching staff, highly appreciating their efforts, commitment and devotion in the patriotic education of the younger generation.