For the first time in the history of Greek Orthodox faith in Australia, an Hierarchical Vespers Service was conducted entirely in English.
Honouring the Feast of the Great Martyr Marina, the service, with his Eminence Archbishop Makarios presiding, took place on Thursday 16 July, at Sydney’s Greek Orthodox Parish of St Spyridon.
Considering that St Marina is the Patron Saint of the NSW Central Youth Committee, Archbishop Makarios used the opportunity of the feast-day to reach out to the young people by conducting an all-English service.
Mr Makarios was accompanied by a number of Reverend Clergy and Deacons who participated in the service, which was composed in English and in Byzantine music by the chanter of the Cathedral of the Annunciation of our Lady, Mr Asterios Zouriakas.
He was surrounded by young chanters, both male and female, who relished the occasion to honour St Marina in the language that they know best.
Following a warm welcome by the Parish President of St Spyridon, Dr Thomas Savoulis, Mr Makarios spoke in his sermon about the faith of St Marina the Great Martyr as a model for a Christian life.
“The love that she harboured in her heart for Christ was so strong and resolute that it conquered the fright of the most dreadful and horrific tortures that she endured,” he said urging the youth in the congregation to “be united with each other and ready to sacrifice yourselves for your neighbour. Only in this way, can we move forward as individuals, as an Archdiocese, as a community, and as a Church.”
The number of faithful attending the parish was limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the service was live-streamed and reportedly watched by thousands of faithful around the country.
ALSO READ: No church; No problem; Saint yourself a seat
A dinner was held after Vespers, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, with Eleni Mavrolefteros addressing the crowd on behalf of the NSW Central Youth Committee.