Oakleigh Grammar farewelled its Chaplain, Reverend Father George Adamakis in a celebration of song and dance attended by the whole school on Tuesday 21 June.
Father George recently assumed leadership of St Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Parish in Malvern East, leaving Sts Anargiri Parish and Oakleigh Grammar. For the past 12 years Father George has filled the position of School Chaplain and religious educator at Oakleigh Grammar. Father Stavros will now take over as School Chaplain of Oakleigh Grammar and Parish Priest of Saints Anargiri.
“My wholehearted gratitude is extended to Father George for his exemplary spiritual leadership and guidance of thousands of Oakleigh Grammar students over the past 12 years,” said Principal Mark Robertson.
“My own personal relationship with Father George has been exceptionally strong and his love, support, guidance and fellowship has been very much appreciated and I will continue to call on him as a friend.”
Oakleigh students honoured Father George’s entrance with a rousing drum procession followed by performances from the School’s Byzantine Choir, singer/guitarist Christian Stojanovic (Year 10), Creten Dance Group, singer Benjamin Carmody (Year 8) and the Junior School Choir.
A highlight was a Greek dance performance by guest of honour, Father George and his son Emmanuel (Year 7), which saw the hall erupt in applause.
Father George was deeply moved by the tributes and words of gratitude and praise directed toward him.
“This has been a priceless thing that you have done for me today, it is something I cannot express in words,” he said.
“Thank you all for your support, and your guidance, and thank you to the students for teaching me many things – how to be humble, how to connect, how to be easy-going, how to listen, and how to be patient. I thank you for everything you have done for me.”
