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]
10 June 2006
PASTORAL VISIT TO AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Each year the Armenian community of Auckland, New Zealand eagerly awaits the
pastoral visit of His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand. It is this
special occasion that brings together the 100 or so Armenians to rekindle
fellowship and the Armenian spirit in this remote part of the world.
The Primate arrived in Auckland on Friday, 2nd June and met with community
members both young and old at a warm gathering typical of Armenian
hospitality. On Saturday, the Archbishop was accompanied to the local
cemetery by community members where he blessed graves and held a requiem
service for the souls of the dearly departed both interred in Auckland and
overseas. The same evening an official dinner was held in honour of
Archbishop Baliozian.
On Sunday, Holy Mass was celebrated by His Eminence at St Peter’s Anglican
Church in Takapuna. The sermon was devoted to the occasion of Pentecost, 50
days after the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. At
Pentecost, what seemed like tongues of fire came to rest on the faithful
congregated in the upper room. All were filled with the Holy Spirit and were
comforted. And so it was with the close-knit Armenian congregation of
Auckland this Sunday, who received spiritual comfort and nourishment by
partaking in the Divine Liturgy of their mother language and the day’s
sermon.
Following the church service, as is customary, the congregation gathered
together for supper. The Archbishop took the opportunity to speak to the
youth of which there were about 20 aged 10 to 25 years.
Throughout the course of his four days in Auckland, Archbishop Baliozian
visited the sick and elderly as well as other members of the Armenian
community. Monday evening saw the conclusion of the pastoral visit with a
farewell party before his safe passage home to Sydney early Tuesday morning.
For information on the Armenian Community of Auckland email Mr Ara
Ovanessoff Chairman of the Armenian Society of New Zealand at
[email protected] or the Diocesan Office at [email protected] .

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS MEETS WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
COPTIC AND SYRIAN CHURCHES
The meeting of representatives from the Coptic Church, Syrian Church and
the Catholicosate of Cilicia was recently convened in the Catholicosate’s
Antelias headquarters. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkisian (Primate of the Diocese
of Tehran) and Bishop Nareg Alemezian (Ecumenical Officer) represent the
Catholicosate in the meeting.
The committee of representatives has been formed by the religious leaders
of the three churches, His Holiness Zakka I, His Holiness Pope Shnouda III
and His Holiness Aram I, nine years ago with the aim of strengthening
cooperation between the churches.
Meeting with the committee’s representatives, the Catholicos stressed the
importance of strengthening the internal unity and cooperation between the
Oriental Orthodox (Non- Chalcedonic) churches. In this context, His Holiness
made several comments related to ecumenical and inter-church relations. The
guests were then invited to lunch with the Pontiff.
The committee’s sessions concluded on June 3.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
MEMOR IAL EVENING DEDICATED TO
PROFESSOR KHATCHER KALOUSDIAN IN ANTELIAS
A memorial evening dedicated to prominent educator, pedagogue, principal and
teacher, Professor Khatcher Kalousdian, was held in the “Gulbenkian” hall of
the Catholicosate in Antelias on June 2.
The event was organized under the patronage of His Holiness Aram I, who also
presided over the evening.
The opening remarks were delivered by Vosgeperan Arzoumanian, Chairman of
the Central Executive Council and chairman of the Executive Council of
“Khatcher Kalousdian” center for pedagogical development. Arzoumanian spoke
briefly about the center’s history and the vision of Professor Kalousdian to
establish such a center that would prepare Armenian teachers.
The speakers at the event included Professor Kalousdian’s son, Shahe
Kalousdian, the center’s dean, Krikor Shahinian, Antranig Dakessian and
Jirayr Tanielian. Each of the speakers focused on a unique characteristic in
Khatcher Kalousdian, presenting Khatcher Kalousdian the individual, the
teacher, the educator, the principal, the pedagogue, the sports’ lover, the
religion follower, the kind civilian and the father.
Keynote speaker Jirayr Tanielian shared his memories of Professor Kalousdian
with the audience, highlighting the self-dedication of the professor. He
considered the pedagogical center to be the continuation of the professor’s
vision.
His Holiness Aram I delivered the closing remarks, assuring that Professor
Kalousdian is worthy of all the praise spoken about him, particularly for
his adoration and respect for the Armenian school.
On the occasion of the “Year of the Armenian School”, His Holiness made
several self-criticisms, calling on all those interested in educational work
and concerned by the situation to work together for solutions.
“This evening dedicated to “Khatcher Kalousdian” should remind us to think
together on what should be done to transform the Armenian schools into a
real forging institution, reorganizing its internal life and educational
standard,” His Holiness said.
“Khatcher Kalousdian was a man dedicated to a mission and he carried out
that mission with the highest degree of dedication and commitment. The same
mission continues to be carried out today, as per wish and with the
conscious commitment of his children, by the Center for Pedagogical
Development named after him in the Catholicosate of Cilicia,” the Pontiff
concluded.
Armen Ketcheg, Zakar and Camila Keshishian entertained the audience with
performances.
##
View photos here: tm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
institutions of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
DIOC ESAN COUNCILS MEET IN ANTELIAS
Several Primates of the dioceses of the Catholicosate of Cilicia and
representatives of diocesan councils, who arrived in Lebanon to attend the
bishops’ ordination, met with the Religious and Lay Councils of the Central
Executive Council of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, on Saturday 3 June 2006.
His Holiness Aram I presided over the meeting.
The meeting was convened between the primates and diocesan council
representatives of the Dioceses of Tehran, Isfahan and Tabriz, Lebanon,
Cyprus and the Eastern diocese of the United States. Two Armenian MPs in the
Iranian Parliament were also present.
His Holiness welcomed the representatives of the dioceses and passed on his
advice to the attendants. The Pontiff spoke about the importance of holding
such consultations and meetings, and preserving active cooperation in the
Catholicosate-diocese mutual relations.
“Such meetings are important for the success of our common functions. Such
consultations have always contributed to warm cooperation between the
Catholicosate and its dioceses and to the immediate achievement of projects.
Within this context of cooperation, the Catholicosate of Cilicia is always
ready to help the dioceses in the spiritual, cultural, educational and other
fields,” the Pontiff said.
The Catholicos also spoke about the importance of Armenia-Diaspora
cooperation and considered the participation of dioceses important in this
respect. He specifically mentioned the project of building a village called
“Cilicia” in Nagorno Karapagh.
The Pontiff also spoke about the importance of cooperation between the two
Catholicosates in Antelias and Holy Etchmiadzine. His Holiness said the two
Sees had formed committees and planned to carry out projects in various
fields.
The primate and representatives of each diocese then talked about the works
carried out in their diocese and future plans. Discussions and a question
and answer session was then held.
The dioceses of the Catholicosate of Cilicia are well organized. They are
active in various fields. Their work includes spiritual, educational and
social initiatives preserving the healthiness of church and national life in
the Diaspora.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I MEETS WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EASTERN PRELACY
OF THE UNITED STATES AND THOSE OF TABRIZ AND ISFAHAN
His Holiness Aram I held separate meetings with the primates and diocesan
council representatives of the Eastern Prelacy of the United States, Diocese
of Tabriz and Diocese of Isfahan. The representatives arrived in Lebanon to
attend the ordination of Bishops in the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Cathedral on June 4.
The Pontiff listened to the reports of the representatives on the efforts
carried out in their dioceses, their new projects and concerns. His Holiness
then gave his advice to each diocese.
Stressing the importance of setting priorities, His Holiness highlighted the
role of the youth in our collective life and the importance of organized
work in the field of religious education.
The Pontiff praised the representatives of the Dioceses and their efforts,
expressing hope that the upcoming bishops’ ordination would bring new
activeness into the life of dioceses and their spiritual service.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I MEETS WITH THE NEW ARMENIAN
MP IN THE CYPRIOT PARLIAMENT
His Holiness Aram I received the newly elected Armenian MP in the Cypriot
Parliament, Vartkes Mahdessian in the Veharan on June 5. The MP visited
Antelias to receive the Pontiff’s blessings as a new MP. Archbishop Varoujan
Hergelian (Catholicosal Vicar to Cyprus) and Tsolag Tutelian (member of the
Central Executive Council) also attended the meeting.
The Catholicos congratulated Mahdessian on his election. He advised the MP
that as the representative of the entire Armenian community of Cyprus, he
should work with commitment to strengthen to comprehensiveness and internal
unity of the community. The Pontiff added that the MP should coordinate
efforts with the Catholicosal Vicar to Cyprus, to gather the
Cypriot-Armenians around the Church.
His Holiness advised that the government-Armenian community contacts should
be more organized always having the community’s collective interests in
mind. The MP promised to do his best in this direction in cooperation with
all the structures of the community.
##
View photo here: tm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

From: Catholicosate of Cilicia
Subject: Antelias: A musical evening on the occasion of Armenian School year
PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
A MUSICAL EVENING ON THE OCCASION OF
“THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN SCHOOL”
On the occasion of “The Year of the Armenian School”, the Seminary of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia organized a musical evening in the “Siran
Manoukian” hall of Yeghishé Manoukian College on June 4. The event was
sponsored by His Holiness Aram I.
The choir of the Seminary, the “Shenorhali” Choir of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia and the “Gargatch” Choir of Hamazkayin participated in the
conference. The conductor of the last two choirs, Zakar Keshishian also
participated in the event, in addition to Sirvart Boyadjian on the piano.
The Seminary Choir kicked off the evening with performance of “Ov Der
Asdvadz” and “Aravod Lousaper”. “Orhnerk Yergrabahi” (lyrics by Souren
Mouradian, music by Robert Bedrossian) followed.
With the “Gargatch” Senior Choir Karig Pantourian’s “Nazank” and the
Lebanese song “Rousana” echoed in the hall. The choir’s senior group then
delivered “Alleluia” and “Ave Maria” by Mozart, as well as the
African-American “Koumdaya”.
The two groups of the choir then sang Jirayr Avedissian’s “Tebrotsin Zanke”
and Nansen Michaelian’s “Im Ousoutsitch”.
The last choir to perform during the evening was “Shnorhali”. The choir
performed Hratchya Hovhannisian’s “Hobina”, “Shorora yar” a collection of
folk songs, among which “Alakiaz yev kezi mernim” and “Katsek Desek”.
The three choirs joined voices at the end of the evening to sing Barouyr
Sevag’s “Yerevan, Erepouni” and Nahabed Rousinian’s “Cilicia”.
“How is it possible not to be filled with joy, how is it possible not to
become proud, how is it possible not to be touched in sight of this
beautiful scene that enchants our lives?” asked His Holiness after taking
the stage at the end of the recital.
Praising the organizers of the event and the members of the choirs, the
Pontiff said: “without our spiritual values and without our cultural
richness our life would become impoverished and it would wilt.” He added
that Zakar Keshishian is one of the best conductors of the Armenian
Diaspora.
Referring to the foreign minister of the Republic of Nagorno Karapagh,
Kevorki Bedrossian, who was present at the recital, the Catholicos said: “It
is true that we were not born in Karapagh, but Karapagh was born in us, has
remained in us and has been strengthened in us and the Diaspora today lives
and struggles with the spirit of Karapagh.”
The Pontiff then spoke about the Armenian community of Lebanon, pointing out
that “despite difficulties, the community has been able to remain active,
healthy and standing.”
##
View photos here: tm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Theological
Seminary of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
PRIM ATES MEET IN ANTELIAS
His Holiness Aram I presided over a meeting of diocesan Primates in the
Antelias headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia on June 5. The meeting
brought together a number of primates who had arrived in Lebanon on the
occasion of bishop ordination.
The Catholicos made a few reminders and passed on some information to the
Primates about issues related to Catholicosate-diocese relations, the
upcoming Armenia-Diaspora conference in Armenia in September, the upcoming
educational conference in the Catholicosate in August, as well as a number
of spiritual and administrative issues.
In the evening, His Holiness presided over a dinner with the participation
of the Cilician Brotherhood members and the Primates. The Pontiff grabbed
the opportunity to remind Primates of the need to serve the Armenian Church
and nation with more dedication.
##
View photo here: tm#3
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES ARMENIAN MPS
IN THE IRANIAN PARLIAMENT
His Holiness Aram I received Kevork Vartanian and Robert Peklarian, the
representatives of the Armenian community of Tehran in the Iranian
Parliament, in his office in Antelias on June 5. The MPs were accompanied by
the primates of the three Armenian dioceses of Iran: Archbishop Sebouh
Sarkissian (Tehran), Bishop Papken Charian (Isfahan) and Bishop Neshan
Topouzian (Tabriz).
The meeting lasted over an hour. The MPs and Primates informed His Holiness
of certain circumstances created as a result of recent developments. They
stressed that despite recent sensitivities, particularly those created by
Azeris in Tabriz, the three dioceses are well organized, active and are
carefully following the situation through constant contact. Internal
diocesan and inter-diocesan issues were also discussed.
His Holiness praised the service of the Primates and MPs for the Armenian
people. He advised vigilance and constant consultations for the sake of
protecting the Iranian-Armenian community’s interests at times like these.
##
View photo here: tm#2
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
THE CATHOLIOCSATE OF CILICIA DONATES 100,000 U.S. DOLLARS
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CHURCH IN NAGORNO KARAPAGH
There are plans to construct a mother cathedral in the capital of Nagorno
Karapagh, Sdepanagerd and construction works have already started.
As a tangible expression to the comprehensiveness and unity of the Armenian
Church as well as the active contribution of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in
the construction of churches and the homeland, the Catholiocsate donated
100,000 U.S. dollars for the construction of the cathedral.
“Let us once again affirm the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s and Our personal
commitment to support all efforts that aim to the strengthening and
development of Armenia and Karapagh,” wrote the Pontiff in his letters
addressed to His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians and Argati
Ghougassian, the president of the Republic of Nagorno Karapagh.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.