Armenian Community Celebrates a Legacy of Hope and Resilience

This year marks a season of celebration for the Armenian Evangelical community in Australia and around the world.

Gathering at St Stephen's Uniting Church in Sydney, church leaders, community members and guests came together to honour four significant milestones in the Armenian community which include; the 180th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Evangelical Church; 60th anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Sydney; 30th anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Church Sanctuary, and 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia.

The service brought together representatives from across the Uniting Church and the global Armenian Evangelical community. Reflections were shared by the Moderator, Rev. Faaimata Havea Hiliau; General Secretary, Rev. Dr Peter Walker; General Secretary of the Assembly, Andrew Johnson; and Rev. Punam Bent. The celebration was complemented by musical performances reflecting the rich Armenian culture. 

The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Dr Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University in Beirut, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, President of the Middle East Council of Churches and President of the Armenian Evangelical World Council.

Ahead of the celebrations, leaders of the Uniting Church met with representatives of the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia, including Rev. Dr Gaby Kobrossi, Rev. Dr Krikor Youmshajekian, Rev. Hagop Sarkissian and Rev. Dr Paul Haidostian.

The Moderator reflected on both the significance of the anniversaries and the enduring relationship between the Armenian Evangelical community and the Uniting Church.

"On behalf of the Uniting Church Synod of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, I extend warm congratulations to the Armenian Evangelical Church of Sydney and the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia as you mark these significant milestones in the life of your community," she said.

"These anniversaries bear witness not only to endurance, but to an unwavering faith, a strong and loving community, and a future held in hope."

The Moderator acknowledged the deep historical ties that connect the Armenian Evangelical Church with the Uniting Church.

"We give thanks for the longstanding relationship we share with the Armenian Evangelical community, from your early beginnings in Sydney, supported by the Congregational Churches Union, to your place within the Uniting Church since 1977. We are deeply grateful for the leadership and contributions of Armenian members within our Church, and for the strong bonds of fellowship that continue to unite us."

She also reflected on the resilience of the Armenian people and the Church's ongoing commitment to truth-telling and justice.

"We also acknowledge the profound history and resilience of the Armenian people. The Uniting Church remains committed to truth-telling, justice, and remembrance, including our recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Your community's enduring faith in the face of suffering stands as a powerful testament to hope and courage."