Armenian Pope, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians visits Australia.

1 -11 February 2019.

His Holiness Karekin II arrived in Sydney on Friday 1 February 2019. This is the third visit His Holiness has made to Australia, and the second official Pontifical Visit.

While in Sydney, His Holiness attended several official and social celebrations. 

A Pontifical Celebration of Holy Mass was held Sunday 3 February, at the Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church, Chatswood NSW. His Holiness was assisted by His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhanissyan from the Mother See. Also assisting was His Grace Bishop Haigazoun Najarian, Primate of Australia and New Zealand, who was awarded the title of “Arch” and is now addressed as His Eminence Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian. 

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians during Holy Mass, 3 February.

NCCA Interim General Secretary, Liz Stone, joined many local dignitaries and church representatives to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. Also amongst the invited guests in attendance were Ms. Gladys Berejiklian, Premier of New South Wales; Rev. Ray Williams, President of the New South Wales Ecumenical Council; Bishop Daniel, Primate of the Coptic Church; and Gwen Harris, President of the Emanuel Synagogue Council. Together they worshipped with members of the Armenian diocesan and parish councils, representatives of Armenian organizations and philanthropists.

Later that evening a Banquet was held in honour of His Holiness Karekin II at the Hotel Miramare Gardens, Terry Hills where more than three hundred members of the Armenian community, benefactors, representatives of Armenian organisations, clergy of the Diocese, representatives of sister Churches and parliamentarians attended.

His Holiness’ visit continued in Sydney over the following days, with several more appointments and functions being attended, before travelling to Melbourne.

On February 10, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; offered a Divine Liturgy in the Holy Mother of God Church in Melbourne of the Armenian Diocese of Australia and New Zealand.

Our prayers are with the Armenian community of Australia and His Grace Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian, Primate of Australia and New Zealandand commend them on the success of this historical visit. We are very grateful to the Armenian community for their gracious invitation to join them in welcoming His Holiness Karekin II to Australia.  

For more information and photos of the Sydney events visit the Sydney Armenian Church's website pages below:

His holiness Karekin II arrives in Sydney http://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/his-holiness-karekin-ii-arrives-in-sydney/ 

Divine Lituregy and Diocesan centre opening - http://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/day-3-pontifical-divine-liturgy-diocesan-centre-opening/ 

Sydney Banquet in honour of His Holiness' Pontifical visit - http://armenianchurchsydney.org.au/banquet-in-honour-of-the-catholicos-of-all-armenians/