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: primate@armenian.com.au

2 April 2009

DIOCESE CONTRIBUTES TO VICTORIA’S BUSHFIRE APPEAL

Sydney, Australia – On 10 February, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of the Primate, His Eminence
Archbishop Aghan Baliozian launched its own ‘Bushfire Appeal for Victoria’
calling on its congregations to take heed to the national fundraising effort
to help the shattered communities and people affected by the rampage of the
Black Saturday Bushfires.

This week the death toll from the devastation was officially reduced from
210 to 173 following extensive examinations by the coroner and a review of
missing persons reports. Despite the reduced number, the tragedy is not made
any less palatable with so many families displaced and far too many
properties totally destroyed. The rebuilding process is going to be a
difficult and arduous task.

In hard times and difficult circumstances, human compassion prevails and the
enormous relief effort which has been undertaken by the authorities,
volunteers and communities places much faith in mankind. Six weeks on,
fundraising events and programs continue in full swing to raise as many
dollars as possible.

This week, the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Church will present the
Australian Red Cross with a cheque for $5000 as part of its contribution to
the national appeal.

"It is admirable to see the Armenian Community of Australia behind the
national fundraising effort" said Archbishop Baliozian. "We are most
grateful to our parishioners and Church Councils for their generous
participation in this endeavour which included collections from offering
baskets on Sunday 22 February which marked the National Day of Mourning in
Australia. We realise many in our community have felt so deeply touched
they have been more than pleased to give as much as they can through the
various fundraising appeals. May God’s provision and blessing be abundant
upon those in need and equally upon those who have given in good cheer."

The Diocese relief effort has been supported by the parishes of the Armenian
Apostolic Church of Melbourne, Sydney and Sydney West.