The Greek Orthodox faith is slowly welcoming more and more non-Greeks of Australian society into its fold, evidenced by Archbishop Makarios baptising a Sri Lankan family during his visit in Perth.
This is part of the missionary work carried out by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, with the establishment of new English-speaking parishes helping spread the Orthodox faith to a broader audience.
His Eminence performed the Mystery of the Baptism on a family of seven with Sri Lankan origin on Monday July 10, the first day of his pastoral visit to the Archdiocese of Perth, welcoming them to the Orthodox Church.
The newly baptised included a mother originally from Sri Lanka and her six Australian-born children, with them receiving the following names: Despina (Δέσποινα), Dionysios (Διονύσιος), Minas (Μηνάς), Georgios (Γεώργιος), Melanie (Μελάνη), Juliana (Ιουλιανή) and Eleni (Ελένη).
The baptisms took place at the Holy Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, Perth, where the Archbishop of Australia was flanked by His Grace Bishop of Kyaneon, Mr. Elpidios, Archbishop of Perth, and clergy from the relevant Region.
At the end of the Mystery, His Eminence addressed 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 would be guided by the grace and light of the Resurrected Christ.
