Sydney 1 — Mr. and Mrs. Vahe and Nora Artinian with Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian

International

Fairwell Reception Honors Archbishop Najarian in Sydney

March 12, 2025

231

By Vahe Artinian

Special to the Mirror-Spectator

SYDNEY, Australia — Sunday, February 23, was the designated day to bid farewell to our beloved Primate, Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian, who served the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand for 12 years, as well as to celebrate the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

He is first and foremost an Oxford graduate, and therefore a person skilled not only in Armenian Orthodoxy, but also in real-world knowledge and in facing the challenges of the 21st century.

These qualities also gave him the opportunity to communicate with the youth and students of Australian Armenians. The Holy Father’s passion was always focused on the youth, for their spiritual and educational well-being.

He regularly communicated with teachers and parents.

Although no one is without contradictions, our community, which faced huge events related to some communal tragedies in Artsakh and Armenia and the diaspora during his leadership, became more united and was able to provide assistance.

It is worth saying that over the course of 12 years, our Apostolic Church has undergone a major structural transformation, and the new diocese building and new residential buildings have been built. These have given our community a brighter long-term future.

Yes, therefore, Sunday’s farewell event was as much an occasion for separation as it was an occasion to celebrate his highest achievements within our community.

Archbishop Najarian is now leaving for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

(Written on behalf of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of Sydney, Australia.)