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: [email protected]
7 May 2008
40TH DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY MEETS IN THE PARISH OF SYDNEY
Sydney, Australia – The Diocesan Assembly of 29 delegates was hosted this
weekend by the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection in Sydney,
also the location of the offices of the Diocese of Australia. The Assembly
was presided by His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the
Diocese and chaired by Mr Bedros Zorlu. Miss Sonia Berberian was appointed
Armenian Secretary and Mrs Laura Artinian, English Secretary.
The meeting commenced with prayer and the reading of the message of His
Holiness Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The
Primate then presented his 2007 annual report and message to the assembly
thanking and encouraging clergy and all councillors, Church and Diocesan.
He gave specific commendation to outgoing Diocesan Councillors Messrs Armen
Baghdasarayan and David Alexander who had completed two terms of office, for
their long-standing and devoted service to the church both as Diocesan and
Church Councillors.
The 2007 Diocesan annual report was tabled by Mr Armen Baghdasarayan
outlining the activities of the Council and was followed by a presentation
of the financial statements and 2008 budget by Mr David Alexander.
With three vacating positions on the Diocesan Council, Mr Jack Hotakorzian
of Melbourne was re-elected for a second term in office and Dr Hagop
Paltikian and Mr Vahe Boyadjian elected as new members.
Prior to the start of general business, Mr Megeurditch Ansourian of the
Sydney West Church Council tabled a report on the 2007 acquisition of a
property in Wentworthville to be developed into the Armenian Church of
Sydney West. General discussions ensued on matters facing the three
parishes represented at the assembly and reflection on the need for greater
focus on community-building.
Earlier the same day, the annual general meeting of the Diocese Properties
Limited was convened. The meeting was chaired by Mr Loris Kanjian and the
appointed Secretary was Mr Dickran Fabricatorian.
The assemblies of the Diocese and Properties Ltd were attended by delegates
from Sydney and Melbourne and included both clergy and laymen.
At the first Diocesan Council meeting of Sunday, 4 May, 2008 the appointment
of office bearers were determined as follows:
Dr Peter Ansourian (Syd) – Chairman
Mr Vahe Boyadjian (Syd) – Secretary
Mr Jack Hotakorzian (Melb) – Assistant Secretary
Dr Hagop Paltikian (Syd) – Treasurer
Mr Tony Ghazarian (Melb) – Assistant Treasurer
Mr Krikor Soghomonian (Syd) – Councillor