On 31 March 2024, a huge crowd gathered at the Church of Holy Resurrection, where His Eminence was to offer an Episcopal Mass. Together with the priests, deacons and the church choir, Archbishop Najarian was led in procession from the Diocesan Centre to the Church. He chose the topic of his meaningful sermon: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
After explaining the mystery of the Resurrection and confirming that the Resurrection is the result of a transforming reality, Archbishop Najarian focused on the power of faith, he referred to the faith of the Resurrection by the Apostle John who “saw and believed”, while the Apostle Thomas even wanted to touch Christ’s wounds in order to believe that he was crucified. This meaningful combination showed what kind of understanding the simple fishermen had and how they became the pioneers of faith and were completely transformed to preach the risen Christ and even become martyrs for their faith.
His Eminence pointed out that a large number of people, Armenians among them, have shed their blood for their faith in Syria, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern countries. He urged that we also must strengthen our faith and renew our covenant in order to become worthy residents in the Lord’s kingdom.
At the end of Holy Mass, the Archbishop performed the first Easter home blessing in the Edgarian hall. Immediately after, with the Diocesan Council the Archbishop received representatives from the Armenian organisations of Sydney in the Diocesan Centre, who came to express their Easter wishes to the His Eminence and personally receive his Easter greetings. In their sentiments, the representatives emphasised the need for unity and dedication to the Motherland and the Armenian people. The hospitality was provided by the Diocesan Ladies’ Guild. Archbishop Najarian congratulated those present on Easter and expressed his satisfaction to see the spirit of unity that was reflected from all the speeches.
