If anyone tries to bring to mind Archbishop Haigazoun, the first thing they would recall is his kind smile, cheerfulness, positive and encouraging words. That’s how we welcomed the Archbishop on 4 January 2013, and that is how he continues to be to this very day. 

Looking back on the past ten years of Archbishop’s years with us, we are reminded of the warm collaboration the Diocesan and Parish Councils have enjoyed with him. He listened to them, learnt from them and in turn, he taught them. He placed his many years of experience in community life at the disposal of everyone. He guided them with his advice, he guided them with his sermons rich in national and spiritual content, he guided them with his interviews, he guided them through his speaking engagements at community events, he guided them during educational forums. 

Archbishop Najarian showed great respect to the Reverend Fathers of our parishes, especially the Archpriests, with deep reverence for their long-serving virtues. The Fathers in turn accepted him as a father, brother, but above all, a close friend. 

Recollecting the activities of the last decade under the direction of the Archbishop, it is evident the great strides accomplished by the Diocese over this timeframe. Beyond self-confidence, he trusted his Diocesan Council, the Properties Committee and all of the church bodies (Parish Councils, Welfare Centres, Ladies’ Committees, Youth Auxiliaries), as well as the decisions of the Diocesan Assembly Delegates the meetings of which he chaired. He became the driving force for the construction of the new Diocesan Centre and the successful visit of His Holiness the Catholicos of All Armenians to Australia. The Archbishop, in collaboration with the Diocesan Council, laid the foundation for long-term plans and became a supporter and heartfelt participant in matter and deed. Among them, we note, the installation of the Genocide Memorial Khachkar in Beauchamp Park and the institution of what has now become the customary annual procession, the online monthly Lecture evenings, the Diocese’s monthly “Paros” publication, the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Translators (Tarkmanchatz) and Teachers’ Day in October with the teachers of all schools of the Diocese, the annual assembly of Sydney’s school students on the Commemoration of Vartanants in the Holy Resurrection Church, the official registration of New Zealand’s St Gregory the Illuminator Church,  the compilation of the Diocesan Centre’s archives, the preparation of the religious education program and the foundation of the long-term “Friends of the Diocese” program. 

The Archbishop did not hesitate to auspice and participate whenever possible, in national, religious, cultural, sports, youth, social and political, and fundraising activities organised for the benefit of the community and the Motherland. Thanks to his efforts, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund of Australia imple-mented many charitable projects in the Motherland. 

Presenting initiatives to organise important joint undertakings to Armenian organisations, great success was achieved in these collaborative activities also. 

Archbishop Najarian greatly encouraged ecumenical work in continuation of the important mark set by his predecessor Archbishop Aghan of blessed memory, by which the Armenian Church kept its high profile on the ecumenical platform. In association with other heads of churches, he became a founding member of the Australasian-Middle East Christian Apostolic Churches (AMEC). 

On the subject of relations, Archbishop Najarian established friendly relationships with Members of Parliament and the Mayors of regions populated by Armenians. He also enjoyed the mutual respect and esteemed relationships with the Armenian communities, all Armenian organisations, the Australian Catholic, Anglican, Uniting as well as Orthodox Churches. Diocesan and the Ministry of Diaspora relations and with the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Artsakh, were always positive. He showed affection to a small number of communities in Australia, through his pastoral visits, liturgies or by other means. 

As the Pontifical Legate to India and the countries of the Far East, Archbishop showed sincere deep interest and became a guiding force in solving various issues and eliminating obstacles in the region. 

On behalf of the religious ranks and bodies of the Diocese, we congratulate Archbishop Najarian on the tenth anniversary of his episcopal ordination and consecration as well as his leadership of the Armenian Diocese of Australia and New Zealand. We bow to his extensive activity and meritorious achievements. It has been a decade of smooth endeavours for the past and present members of the Diocesan Council. We owe that in part to the personality of the competent, accomplished and experienced Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian. 

Diocesan Council