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]
27 May 2008
VICAR GENERAL CONTRIBUTES TO MULTI-FAITH EDUCATION PROJECT FOR HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS
Sydney, Australia – On Tuesday, 20 May, 2008 the NSW Jewish Board of
Deputies facilitated an interschool multi-faith project entitled "Respect,
Understanding and Acceptance" aimed to "provide opportunity for students of
different faiths and backgrounds to meet, learn from each other and develop
some understanding and appreciation of the others." The day brought
together 250 Year 9 students from Masada College (Jewish faith), Hamazkaine
Arshak & Sophie Galstaun College (Armenian Apostolic faith), Australian
International Academy (Muslim faith), Brigidine College (Catholic faith) and
Davidson High School (government school).
The day’s events included student and teacher presentations and special
guest speakers including the Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Mr Nick Ebbeck. Under
the arrangements of His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand, Very Reverend
Father Vardan Navasardyan, Vicar General of the Diocese was one of five
keynote speakers. He firstly introduced the audience to Armenians as an
ancient culture that has perpetuated even from the time Noah’s Ark came to
rest on its historical landform, Mt Ararat.
Father Vardan explained the origins of Armenians as a Christian nation and
how its faith and culture are so entwined. The crux of his presentation
however based on the thematic focus "Respecting Differences" was on the
importance of communication to break down barriers, seeking truth and
understanding through interaction and consultation to enrich relationships
and live life on the premise of love which comes from a changed life.
"Life can change only by the individual’s desire," said Father Vardan.
"Society impacts the individual to some extent, but it is the person’s
decision whether he or she will take the good or the bad choice . The
important thing is our eyes and how we see. We can change every bad to
good. We can change the whole world in our little world."
The program also included guest speakers from the Catholic, Muslim and
Jewish faiths as well as an indigenous perspective.
Opportunities of learning such as this are heartily welcomed and encouraged
by the Diocese especially as an educational tool to equip future generations
to live in harmonious and productive communities.