From out of the ashes in those dark days 105 years ago, our resilient people have arisen to reform, re-establish and revive the Armenian spirit. Whether in the Motherland or Diaspora, we now stand firmer than ever as a nation, united to commemorate and honour the memories of our holy saints.
Tomorrow on the Feast of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, a Divine Liturgy will be held at the Church of Holy Resurrection at 10.30 a.m. when His Eminence Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian will be the celebrant and homilist. Whilst the church service will be held behind closed doors, we can all pray together and honour the memories of our martyrs by partaking in the live feed on the Church Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ArmenianApostolicChurchofHolyResurrection/
Recognition of Genocide by the NSWEC
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… they will rest from their labour,
for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)
This afternoon, on the eve of the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the NSW Ecumenical Council formally recognised the Genocides of the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks with a special Prayer Service during the quarterly meeting of the Executive Committee. As the first agenda item on the meeting, the service was led by NSWEC President, Reverend Dr Ray Williamson, commencing with the Lord’s Prayer and his introduction. As a long-time friend of the Armenian Church, Reverend Williamson and NSWEC Secretary General Father Shenouda Mansour were instrumental in the resolve of the NSWEC Genocides’ Commemorative Statement.
The proceedings included prayers offered by the heads of the three Churches: His Beatitude Archbishop Mar Meelis Zaia of the Assyrian Church of the East, His Eminence Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian, Primate Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand and His Grace Bishop Emilianos representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. NSWEC General Secretary Father Shenouda Mansour read from the Gospel of John 12:24-26 following which Reverend Williamson read the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides Commemorative Statement.
The concluding remarks were conveyed by Archbishop Najarian, Mar Meelis Zaia and Bishop Emilianos when they not only reflected on the important stance of recognition of unjust acts against humanity but also how by this, the NSWEC stood alongside the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks in truly understanding the pain of their brethren in Christ.
Prayer for the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Martyrs
by Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian
O triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
We cry to you, with deep pain in our hearts and souls for our Armenian, Assyrian and Greek brothers and sisters, children, adults, and elders that were persecuted, robbed, exiled and killed during the first genocide of the 20th century under the Ottoman Government.
They suffered because of their ethnic origin and because of their Christian faith, becoming victims of hate, intolerance, abuse and ethnic and religious purge. As Christians that follow your commandments, we pray to You to offer peaceful rest to the souls of the victims and to heal the wounds of their descendants. We are reminded of what Christ has said, “I am the Resurrection and I am the Life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die”. (John 11:25).
We pray for the recognition of these genocides by the descendants of those that initiated, planned and committed it and for the establishment of the historical truth regarding these inhumane acts, for You taught us that the truth will make us free. (cf. John 8:32). You are the God of forgiveness, but the sinful must first accept his sins; only than peace and reconciliation between the descendants of the murderers and victims can be achieved.
God, you created us to be stewards of life and community. Help the Armenian, the Assyrian and the Greek people to continue their quest for justice and peace, so that they might bring their share in building a harmonious world where people of diverse ethnicity, religion and race can live together as the children of the heavenly Father. AMEN
Australian National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide
Due to the restrictions on public gatherings, this year’s commemoration will be like no other as the event will be a one-hour program streamed live on Facebook commencing at 7.30 p.m..
The program will feature special video messages by Members of Parliament, community leaders and advocates, accounts on eye witness testimonies and Australia's first major international relief effort as well as the ANC’s Genocide Advocacy Report.
A MESSAGE FROM THE ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF AUSTRALIA (AGCC): This is a short preview of what to expect from the Australian National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, which will Premiere on Facebook and Youtube this Friday, 24th April 2020 from 7:30 to 8:30pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time).
KEEP CONNECTED WITH US
Live-streaming of Sunday Services
We were so encouraged by the large number of people participating in the church services streamed live on Facebook over the Easter weekend and with an even greater number of views that followed.
In light of the present circumstances, and judging by all the wonderful comments and feedback we have received, it is a blessing we can all still keep connected with our church as it comes into our homes.
Our live feeds of the Divine Liturgy are continuing each and every Sunday starting at 10.30 a.m.
Our church office is also operating at normal hours.
Requesting A Requiem
Our parishioners are reminded that requiem services also continue on Sundays and although the doors of the church are closed, taking part in the service is made possible by the live feed to hear the names of loved ones who are remembered in the prayers.
If you would like to request a requiem, the best ways of doing so are by:
calling the church office on 94198056
church@armenian.com.ausending an email to
As you will read in the updated information below, the church office hours to attend to your enquiries are 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on weekdays and Sunday mornings.
We Are Here To Support You
As always, the Church is here to help and support the well-being of our parishioners. Especially during these uncertain times, we are able to reach out with:
Spiritual and Emotional support – contact the church office on 94198056 to speak with the Parish Pastor
Physical and Social support particularly for the elderly – contact the Welfare office on 94196394
With the continued requirements of social isolation, we are all subject to feelings of discouragement in need of comfort and hope.
The Church is here to help, we are just a phone call away.
Offerings & Donations
Whether its moral, spiritual, physical or financial support our strength is in our unity to help one another.
With the closure of our church doors, we are now facing the challenge of meeting expenses ourselves without a regular income stream from our services.
Parishioners, who are able to and wish to lend their support through offerings and donations, no matter how small or large, may do so as follows: By phone: Visa and Mastercard (1.5% surcharge applicable) By bank transfer: BSB 032090 - Acct No. 120888 – Armenian Church Council of Aust. in NSW – Ref: #Donation By Paypal: via the Church website www.armenianchurchsydney.org.au “Donate Today” at the bottom of the Home page In person: Office hours 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
