With ecclesiastical splendour and with the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the Translation of the Holy Relics of the great modern Saint of our Orthodox Church were culminated on Sunday, 10 September 2023, at the Parish-Community of Saint Nectarios in the suburb of Burwood in Sydney.
The Archbishop officiated at the Matins Service and presided over the festive Divine Liturgy, at the end of which he spoke accordingly about the life of Saint Nectarios and offered words of spiritual edification to the large congregation. Specifically, reflecting on the one hand the many trials that Saint Nectarios had experienced due to the hatred, envy and slander he received, and on the other hand from the Gospel reading of the day: “For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him”, His Eminence focused his attention to the passion of criticism, which plagues the modern world, including the people of the church.
“We often think that it is enough that we come to church,” he mentioned, among other things, and added: “We find rest and comfort when we go to church, when we pray, when we light our candle or when we engage in acts of charity.” “But these are nothing,” His Eminence pointed out, “if our heart has a judgmental spirit toward our neighbour.” He added that the act of criticism is indeed a success of the devil, as “it leads us all to become preoccupied with the other person and at the same time we think that we are part of the Church and that we are engaging in a God-pleasing work”.
Besides this, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios reminded the congregation that Saint Nectarios, who endured criticism, injustice and slander, was finally justified first and foremost before God, as well as before history and the conscience of Orthodox Christians everywhere. On the contrary, those who criticised and wronged him “only succeeded in filling their souls with poison and losing the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Concluding, His Eminence expressed his satisfaction with the work taking place at the Parish-Community of St. Nectarios Burwood, and warmly congratulated the President and the members of the Board of Directors, while wishing for everyone to receive the blessing of the patron of their Parish.
It is noted that the celebratory events were attended by, among others, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr. Yannis Mallikourtis, the Mayor of Burwood, Mr. John Faker, and the Members of Parliament, Mr. Jason Yat-sen Li, Stephanie Di Pasqua and Sally Sitou.
