The Armenian Nation

Armenia is a small and ancient land nestled between Russia to the North and Persia (Iran-Iraq) to the South. The population of Armenia is around 3 millions and harks back more than three thousand years. In ancient times, the extent of Armenia included almost all of Asia Minor. Battles with the Ancient Romans and Persians were part of that historical landscape: Armenians were known throughout the Ancient World.

Early in the last century, Armenia was de-populated to a large extent during the ravages of World War 1: the ANZAC’s battle-cove a mere few hundred miles West of Armenia. Thus there are two populations of Armenians World-wide – those who lived in Armenia always and those who were dispossessed of their lands and became travellers to many distant shores.

Over the last Century (as the Middle East was progressively embroiled in turmoil), many Armenian families from the Middle East came to Australia, settling down progressively in different areas of Sydney. These families, coming from different parts of the Middle East, brought with them a wealth of linguistic and cultural knowledge. Hence, the School population has, at various times, boasted over twenty different nationalities and over 60 languages. Also, due to inter-marriage, most Armenians are multi-lingual, regularly speaking three or four languages at home. The School is thus truly “multi-cultural and International”. Yet the School’s various nationalities are always linked by the common thread of Armenian-ness: of having shared a great journey through both time and geography.

St Gregory the Illuminator

St Gregory the Illuminator (St Gregory the Enlightener) is the founder and patron saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He spread the light of Christ and converted the Armenian people to Christianity. He governed the Armenian Church for roughly 25 years. Instead of paganism, young people learned the Christian religion.

St Gregory and all the martyrs of the church set a wonderful example for us, teaching us not to be ashamed of our Christian identity.

Saint Vartan: Armenian Hero

St Vartan is revered as one of the greatest military and spiritual leaders of ancient Armenia. Under his leadership, his army fought in the Battle of Avarayr, the first recorded in defence of Christianity (451 AD).

The Armenians fought "for the freedom of religion and for the fatherland". St Vartan and the 1036 Martyrs are held in special respect by the Armenian people who have continued for centuries to hold fast to their Christian faith and to their national identity.

Armenian Genocide

The Armenian Genocide (also known as the Armenian Holocaust or the Armenian Massacre) refers to the forcible deportation and massacring of an estimated 1,500,000 Armenians during the government of the Young Turks from 1915 to 1917 in the Ottoman Empire.