SYDNEY: Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Najarian, the
Armenian Professional Network of Australia (APN-AU), jointly with the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand, hosted the inaugural Armenian-Australian Community Law Term Commencement Prayer Service, bringing together members of the judiciary and legal profession, as well as lawmakers and public officials for an evening of prayer, reflection, unity, and recommitment to serve justice and the community.
Approximately 150 Australian-Armenian barristers, solicitors and law students were present during the special prayer service.
This historic event took place on Monday, 10 February 2025, commencing at 7:00 PM at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection in Chatswood commenced by a special procession led by His Eminence and clergy as well as the Chief Justice of NSW and other members of the judiciary, barristers and solicitors.
“We were very honoured to have amongst our special guests, The Honourable Chief Justice Andrew Bell - Chief Justice of New South Wales as well as Jennifer Ball - President of the Law Society of NSW,” said Ms Alexia Ereboni Yazdani of the Legal Professional Forum of the Armenian Professional Network of Australia, who is also a Councillor of the Law Society of New South Wales.
Other distinguished guests included The Honourable Justices Peter Garling RFD, Francois Kunc, and Fabian Gleeson of the Supreme Court of New South Wales; The Hon. John Hatzistergos, Chief Commissioner of ICAC; District Court Judge John Catsanos and Magistrate Rami Attia; The Hon. Susan Carter MLC representing the Shadow Attorney General; Tim James MP - NSW State Member for Willoughby; Councillors of the Law Society of NSW; Mr Emmanuel Kerkyasharian - Councillor of the NSW Bar Association, Sarah Newman - Regional President, North Metropolitan Law Society; and Councillors from Ryde, Willoughby, and Northern Beaches.
The dedicated and moving prayer service was specially prepared by His Eminence, Archbishop Najarian together with Reverend Father Hambardzumyan, who were joined in the special service by Reverend Fathers Patanian and Karakashian as well as Rev. Dr. Pastor Youmshajekian, President of the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia.
In her welcome address, Ms Yazdani noted, “As Armenians, we are shaped by the history of our nation, the first to adopt Christianity as its state religion 301 years after the birth of Christ. Our faith has sustained us through the darkest of times. It compels us to act with compassion, to defend the oppressed, and to seek the truth, even when the road is fraught with difficulty. This service, held within our community for the first time, is a testament to the enduring strength of these values. It is a moment to pause and reflect on our shared mission as legal professionals: to uphold the rule of law, to serve with integrity, and to carry forward the torch of justice with courage and humility.”
In his special address during the prayer service, His Eminence Archbishop Najarian stated, “It is with immense joy and gratitude I address you, such a distinguished gathering of esteemed judicial representatives in this sacred place. This church, like the justice system you serve, is where truth, integrity, and the pursuit of what is right are held in the highest regard. It is a place where we seek wisdom and guidance, just as you do in your daily service to the community.”
His Eminence added, “Your work carries a profound and sacred responsibility. You are not only interpreters of the law but guardians of fairness and equity. In this role, you serve as instruments of peace and reconciliation, ensuring that justice is not just a concept but a living, breathing reality for all people. Today, as you gather here, I hope this space offers you a moment of reflection, renewal, and connection not only with one another but with a higher calling that unites us in service to humanity.”
Readings from relevant passages of the Holy Bible were given by Jennifer Ball, President of The Law Society of NSW, Ronan MacSweeney, Senior Vice President of The Law Society of NSW, The Hon. Susan Carter MLC, Member of the NSW Legislative Council, Rev. Dr. Pastor Youmshajekian, and Mrs Hoory Vartanian solicitor on behalf of the Legal Profession Forum of APN-AU.
The church service was followed by a reception hosted by the Legal Profession Forum of APN-AU in the Church’s Edgarian Hall, where attendees had an opportunity to connect over refreshments, including Armenian wines and canapes. The reception included a short address by The Honourable Chief Justice to the attendees as well as from the local State Member for Willoughby, Tim James MP.
Bar Association of New South Wales Councillor, Mr Emmanuel Kerkyasharian noted in his address on behalf of the Legal Profession Forum of APN-AU - “Armenian jurisprudence has long understood the connection between community, culture and the law. Mkhitar Gosh, perhaps Armenia’s greatest jurist, in the twelfth century, wrote his greatest work, a codification of the laws of Armenia. He was driven to record the law, the customary laws of Armenia, at a time when they were under threat as a result of enemy invasion and occupation. He recorded those laws, in part at least, so that the culture and identity that they embodied might live on. About the same time Gosh was working to this end - over the other side of the world - the first common law judges were travelling about England, listening to and synthesising the local customs of the English; and refining them into the common law.”
Kerkyasharian added - “And so we find ourselves here, two cultures together – the Armenian and the legal – in a multicultural society, both with ancient traditions that live on. And coming together we learn and grow. How? Simply by osmosis. It is enough that we come together – each of us is going to take something home today – a snippet – a fact – a feeling – there will be something; that helps ground us at the beginning of law term.”
A gallery of photos may be found by clicking here.
