PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia & New Zealand
10 Macquarie Street
Chatswood NSW 2067
AUSTRALIA
Contact: Laura Artinian
Tel: (02) 9419-8056
Fax: (02) 9904-8446
Email: armenian@idx.com.au

7 June 2005

ARMENIAN PILGRIMS IN HONG KONG

Sydney, Australia – With the fatherly blessing of His Holiness Karekin II
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Armenian Church
Committee of Calcutta, headed by Mrs Sonia John, organised a week of events
from 26 May-1 June to honour the memory of Sir Catchik Paul Chater, an
Indian-born Armenian, considered to be one of the founding fathers of Hong
Kong having made a major contribution to its development in the 19th and
early 20th century. A group of some 100 pilgrims including about 30 of
Chater’s descendants from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and
Australia, as well as a number of distinguished guests attended the
pilgrimage that coincided with the centenary anniversary of St Andrew’s
Church in Kowloon constructed with a large donation installed by Sir
Catchik.

Among the invited guest list was His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand;
His Grace Bishop Yesraz Nersessian, Primtate of the Diocese of Russia; Dr
Richard Hovannisian, Dr Kevork Bardakjian and Dr Peter Cowe from the United
States.

The week-long activities commenced with Holy Mass on Friday, 27 May, 2005
presided by His Eminence Archbishop Baliozian and accompanied by His Grace
Bishop Nersessian. Sixteen students from the Armenian College &
Philanthropic Academy Church Choir in Calcutta partook in the church service
that was followed by a memorial luncheon. The congregation later proceeded
to the Happy Valley Cemetery on Hong Kong Island for the blessing of Sir
Catchik’s grave.

On the following day, a seminar was held at Kimberley Hotel where
international and local guest speakers including Archbishop Aghan Baliozian
addressed the pilgrims on various topics relating to Sir Catchik Paul
Chater’s life and his spirit of philanthropy. Later that same afternoon,
there was an open discussion with the panellists and a presentation of a
film on the life of Sir Catchik Paul Chater produced by Henrik Terchonian, a
former student of the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy and Awardee
of the Sir Catchik Paul Chater.

On the morning of 29 May, there was opportunity for guests and pilgrims to
meet the descendants of the Chater family. In the afternoon, Mrs Sonia John
addressed the pilgrims on the Armenians of India organised by the Royal
Asiatic Society.

The activities over the week incorporated tours of Hong Kong city to view
places of Sir Chater’s interests; a cultural performance by the ‘Nane’ dance
ensemble from Armenia and students of the Armenian College and Philanthropic
Academy in Calcutta; the launching of Liz Chater’s biography on Sir Catchik
Paul Chater entitled “A Prominent Armenian From Calcutta and the Grand Old
Man of Hong Kong” and Henrik Terchonian’s book entitled “Life & Times of Sir
Catchik Paul Chater”; and a banquet dinner that concluded the commemorative
event.

Ms Liz Chater who compiled the genealogical history of the Chater family was
instrumental in gathering the descendants from around the globe for this
auspicious occasion. Also actively involved in the local organisation of
the memorial events were long time residents Mr and Mrs Jack and Julie
Maxian.

Also present among the pilgrims were Principals and student representatives
from La Martiniere School in Calcutta, Sir Catchik Chater’s alma mater.
When the School was facing financial crisis and the prospect of shutting
down, Sir Chatchik provided financial assistance to keep the School afloat.
To this day, the students remember their benefactor in the daily School
Prayer.

Sir Catchik Paul Chater’s legacy in Hong Kong is well documented however it
is his connection with the Armenian Community of Calcutta, India that
initiated this tribute. Sir Catchik bequeathed a considerable sum of money
in his will to the Armenian Church in Calcutta, a legacy that continues to
help maintain the upkeep of numerous Armenian institutions and facilities in
India today.

Sir Catchik Paul Chater (1846-1926) was revered in a manner befitting his
greatness in the pilgrimage that was entitled “Magnificent Man of All
Seasons”.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress