The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – District of Melbourne made the following announcement this afternoon: “It is with deep sadness that we inform the faithful that Fr Andreas Papadimitropoulos, Parish Priest at St Catherine Church, East Malvern, has fallen asleep in the Lord early this afternoon Saturday 13th February, 2021. Father’s family thank you for your prayers and condolences. Funeral details will be released shortly.”
Last Sunday the former parish priest of St Catherine’s in Malvern called on his congregation to pray for him to die soon and as painlessly as possible.
But among other things he said: “I do not have a voice and I cannot speak. My life is fading and my days are few. I will soon die. I came here to this sacred place that I have served for decades so that I may see you all and to tell you that ‘I love you and thank you’ – especially my co-workers in the church. The poor, the teachers, the singers, the church committee members, all of them.”
He said he had been given special permission from the hospital to come to the church and to his home and he did not forget to thank the doctors or his family.
“I want you,” he told the congregation, “to pray that Christ may take me as soon as is possible. I am ready and I have prepared for everything. I forgive and love everyone.”
He said that he had received the Communion and added that he was at peace and was ready for the great journey. “Until we meet again in heaven,” he told the congregation, many of which were weeping.
