With religious reverence and fervour, the members of the Greek Orthodox Parish in the Sydney suburb of Kingsford commemorated once again this year, the memory their Patron, Saint Spyridon the Wonderworker, Bishop of Trymithous. This year’s celebration had a historic character, due to the recent decision to convert the Parish-Community into a Parish of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
“With this decision, you are securing the future of the Parish for the next generations,” His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, emphasised, addressing the congregation, who on Monday morning, 12 December, officiated at the Matins and presided over the Festive Divine Liturgy. His Grace Bishop Bartholomew thanked the Proistamenos of the Parish, Father Steven Scoutas, the President Mr. Elia Economou and the members of the Parish Council, as well as all the parishioners who trusted the local Church and His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis conveyed to the faithful who attended the feast day the wishes and blessing of their Shepherd, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, while His Grace reminded that on the feast day of Christmas, His Eminence will visit and preside over the Divine Liturgy in their Parish.
In addition, His Grace Bishop Bartholomew spoke appropriately about the honoured Saint, referring to important aspects of his life and the many virtues that adorned him. In fact, he urged the faithful to try to imitate the life of Saint Spyridon, focusing on his charity and kindness towards his fellow men.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Holy Icon of the Saint was carried in procession around the inside of the Holy Church, due to adverse weather conditions.
