On Thursday evening, 5 December 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia officiated at the Great Vespers on the occasion of the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the wonderworking, at the celebrating Church of Saint Nicholas in the in the “Greek” suburb of Marrickville, Sydney.
At the end of the Service, speaking to the pious faithful who had gathered en masse to celebrate with their Shepherd the sacred memory of the patron saint of their Parish, His Eminence presented the virtues that adorned the personality of Saint Nicholas, as well as the greatness of his contribution to his flock. Taking, first, as an occasion from his Dismissal Hymn (Apolytikion), he focused on the virtue of humility, through which he acquired the ‘exalted gifts’, and described how “through being poor” he managed to gain treasure in heaven, that is, liberation from created materials.
Then, interpreting the name of the honoured Saint, His Eminence explained that it encompasses the meaning of “victory for the people”, as in his person everyone found support and rest. “Everything he did, he did with one and only purpose, to give rest to his neighbour”, he underlined, among other things, while, referring to the Doxastikon of the Praises of the Matins Service of Saint Nicholas, he explained that in him they found: “Those of us who are sick let us praise the physician; our rescuer, we in perils; and sinners, our defender; you paupers, him who makes you rich; you in tribulation, your consolation; your fellow traveller, you who travel; your pilot, you who sail the seas. And everyone extol him who anticipates everywhere, as the grandest Hierarch.”
In conclusion, His Eminence paternally urged the faithful to try to follow the example of the life of Saint Nicholas, especially during the current period of their spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord. “Christ came down to earth to help humankind find God again,” he emphasised and pointed out: “And the way of life of Saint Nicholas, which we celebrate today, is the one that can help us find God. Therefore, let us follow the example of Saint Nicholas, to acquire the philosophy of his life, which was sacrifice, offering, love and mercy towards our neighbour. When we do this, then we will truly become co-heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, which is what I wish for all of you.”
