On Monday, 10 July 2023, the first day of his pastoral visit to the Archdiocesan District of Perth, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia had the joy in welcoming seven new members to the Orthodox Church, through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
The newly-illumined (Neophytes), who are members of the same family – a mother, originally from Sri Lanka, and her six Australian-born children – received the names: Despina and Dionysios, Minas, Georgios, Melani, Iouliani and Eleni.
The baptisms took place at the Holy Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady, Perth, where the Archbishop of Australia was joined by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Perth, and clergy of the local District.
At the end of the Sacrament, His Eminence offered words of spiritual edification to the newly baptised, as well as paternal wishes for their experiential inclusion in the Body of the Church, so that their lives may be guided by the grace and light of the Risen Christ.
It is worth noting that more and more members of the Australian society, of non-Greek origin, are coming to known and embrace the Orthodox faith in the context of the missionary work carried out by the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, to which the establishment of new English-speaking parishes also contributes to this holy missionary work.
