SYDNEY: Under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Professional Network of Australia (APN-AU) Legal Profession Forum, in cooperation with the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand, hosted the second annual Armenian-Australian Community Law Term Commencement Service and Reception, bringing together members of the judiciary and legal profession, as well as lawmakers and public officials, for an evening of prayer, reflection, and unity.
Approximately 150 Armenian-Australian barristers, solicitors and law students attended the service and reception, which was held at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection on 4 February, 2026.
The service commenced with a procession led by Bishop Navasardyan and the clergy, joined by the Chief Justice of New South Wales, The Honourable Andrew Bell AC and other members of the judiciary, alongside barristers and solicitors from across the legal profession.
The prayer service was specially prepared by Bishop Navasardyian together with Reverend Father Hambardzumyan, and was conducted with the participation of Reverend Fathers Abrahamian, Karakashian and Patanian as well as Reverend Sarkissian of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Australia. In his address, Bishop Navasardyian warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and dignitaries, including the honorable members of the judiciary, and bestowed upon them his episcopal blessing.
During the service, readings from passages of the Holy Bible were delivered by Dr Hugh McDermott MP, Member for Prospect and Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General; The Hon. Damien Francis Tudehope, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and Shadow Attorney-General; Mr Matt Cross MP, Member for Davidson; Mr Ronan MacSweeny, President of the Law Society of New South Wales; Ms Jacqueline Dawson, Senior Vice-President of the Law Society of New South Wales; and Ms Teni Berberian, Barrister.
The Special Church service was followed by a reception hosted by the APN-AU Legal Profession Forum in the Church’s Edgarian Hall, where attendees had the opportunity to connect over refreshments, including Armenian wines and canapés.
The reception featured brief addresses from the Chief Justice of New South Wales, Mr Ronan MacSweeny, President of the Law Society of New South Wales; Mr Hilbert Shiu, representing the NSW Bar Association; and Mrs Alexia Ereboni Yazdani, speaking on behalf of the APN-AU Legal Profession Forum.
Mrs Yazdani delivered a moving speech, sharing a personal reflection while highlighting the enduring connections between the legal profession and her Armenian heritage.
“Our history, marked by genocide and pogroms, has taught us what happens when law fails, when justice is denied, when humanity is ignored,” Mrs Yazdani said. “But it has also taught us resilience, faith, and an unshakeable belief in the dignity of every person.”
In his Honour’s address at the Opening of Law Term Dinner the following evening, the Chief Justice referred to this service saying “Last night at the Armenian Apostolic Church was no exception where your Law Society Councillor, Alexia Yazdani, gave one of the finest addresses on the subject of community and social cohesion I have ever heard. It was a privilege to be there”.
Mrs Yazdani on behalf of the APN-AU Legal Profession Forum noted - “We are proud that in such a short period of time the Armenian-Australian Law Term Commencement Service and Reception has established itself as an important and integral part of this important tradition of the legal profession in New South Wales”.
A gallery of photos from the night can be accessed
here.
