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]
26 February 2008
THE INSPIRATION OF A PASTORAL VISIT
Pastoral visits to small, pocketed congregations are common practice in
dioceses that cover vast areas or jurisdiction. The inspiration for these
visits is modelled on the ministry of Christ Himself and later the Apostles
who ministered to the faithful who would receive them joyously and
thirstily. They would be nourished in spirit and inspired by teaching. So
it was for the Armenian Community of Adelaide in Australia when they
welcomed the Primate of the Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian
in their midst this past weekend of 23-25 February, 2008.
The Primate arrived in Adelaide on Saturday afternoon and was met at the
airport by committee members of the Armenian Cultural Association of South
Australia (ACASA), the body that brings together the Armenians of Adelaide
and is the face of all things Armenian in South Australia.
As has now become customary, Saturday evening saw the Armenian Community
gather to welcome and honour the visiting Primate in a warm and cordial
atmosphere revelling in the company of fellow Armenians and typical
hospitality which included a variety of cultural performances ranging from
ballet, piano, song and poetry recitation. Archbishop spoke about Great
Lent and the Median day, "Michink" which falls on Wednesday this week and
signifies the middle of the Lenten period. He also talked about the
official blessing of the Holy Muron (Chrism) on 28 September at the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin when Armenians from around the globe will come to
witness this special event which is held once every seven years.
On Sunday morning, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Chapel
of the Christian Brothers College. This is the only opportunity for the
Armenian faithful of Adelaide to partake in the beautiful worship service of
the Armenian Apostolic Church and take Holy Communion during an Armenian
Mass. This is a richly rewarding experience of great significance for
congregation members which comes about once or at most, twice a year.
At the invitation of the ACASA, in attendance for the Divine Liturgy was the
Hon. Michael Atkinson MP, Attorney General of South Australia, Minister for
Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Mr Atkinson, with his two
advisers later joined Archbishop Baliozian and the congregation for lunch
following Holy Mass. The Primate was acquainted with the Attorney General
during his visit to Adelaide in 2007 and appreciated the opportunity of
extending his acquaintance further on this occasion.
Archbishop Baliozian farewelled Adelaide and returned to his residence in
Sydney on Monday evening having too been inspired by the warmth and
welcoming spirit of the Armenians of Adelaide.
For information on the Armenian Community of Adelaide contact the President
of the ACASA, Mr Gevik Abedian at [email protected] or the Honorary
Secretary, Mr Alec Balayance at [email protected]
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
