Despite the inclement weather, on 6 January 2023, a large crowd of faithful gathered for the glorious celebration of Dzenoont.
Archbishop Najarian was the celebrant and homilist delivering the day’s stirring sermon with Archpriest Father Bartev Karakashian assisting. Following Holy Mass, the Archbishop conducted the Blessing of Water service. The Godfather of the Cross this year was Mr Kevork Kharadjian, the son of late Archdeacon Hovhannes Kharadjian. A large basin was donated by the Kharadjian family on this occasion, in memory of their beloved husband and father, Deacon Hovhannes Kharadjian. The Archbishop conducted a blessing of the basin, blessed the Kharadjian family and praised the memory of the late Archdeacon.
Following Holy Mass, led by the procession of the diaconate and choir, Archbishop was escorted into the Edgarian Hall where the blessing of residence was conducted with water, salt and bread and afterwards distributed amongst the congregation.
The Primate traditionally welcomes the representatives of Armenian organisations to the Diocesan Centre every year to congratulate them on the new year and Christmas. Close to 60 representatives of all community organisations were received by the Archbishop in the Centre. Hosted by the Diocesan Ladies Guild, the guests included MP Mr Tim James, NSW Member for Willoughby, who gave a speech, congratulating the community on Armenian Christmas and conveyed his best regards.
Representatives of the various organisations shared sentiments and their congratulations, thanked the Primate, and stressed their need for united work to aid the homeland and Artsakh, anticipating the potential challenges. In turn, Archbishop Najarian expressed his appreciation and his optimism that together, we will successfully meet the needs of our community and the homeland.
