Cultivating Peace
DOV in Australia

On 6 January 2004, the feast of the Epiphany in Western Christianity, participants on the Journey of Promise joined the Armenian Apostolic Church at Chatswood for their celebrations of Christmas and the Baptism of Jesus, experiencing something of the richness of Eastern Orthodox community life.

The JOP participants were warmly greeted by Archbishop Aghan Baliosian and enjoyed a time of hospitality and conversation with members of Armenian community afterwards. 

The Armenian Church is the oldest national church in the world, and the community overseas has suffered from genocide, dispossession and other tragic acts of violence over recent centuries.  As a result, the Armenian Church is committed to developing greater harmony between all peoples.  The community is well established in Australia and continues to grow as an important part of the thriving multicultural community of Sydney.  Archbishop Baliosian is himself a leading figure in fostering good ecumenical relationships in Australia and is also a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.
Armenians have for many years worked closely with the Australian Jewish community and others on issues of tolerance and inclusivity, and Armenian Christians have historically co-existed happily with Muslims over many centuries.

 Here are some of the responses on their experience by the young JOP participants:

Having only been to churches for weddings, I really had no idea what to expect.  I enjoyed watching the ceremony and all of its unique steps.  I especially enjoyed listening to the choir and found the use of chanting and singing very interesting.  I guess the sombre mood was quite unexpected, as (in my ignorance) I had only associated Christmas with joy and happiness.  However, the Orthodox Christmas educated me in the other messages of Christmas. 

I knew nothing about the Armenian Orthodox tradition so it was a learning experience from the very beginning.  The Armenian language gave the service a sense of continuity and the process felt ancient and strengthened by its age.  The colourful and richly decorated church was a surprise.  In my experience most churches have been quite austere but the church seemd vibrant and lively.  It deepened my understanding of the Christian faith and the differeneces between churches within Christianity.

At the Orthodox Christmas, I liked the sense of devotion by the people, finding similarities between my own church and this one (in their liturgy) and meeting the archbishop, he was very hospitable.