The festivities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the transfer of the Holy Relics of Saint Nektarios, culminated on Sunday, September 10 at the Parish-Community of Saint Nektarios in the suburb of Burwood, Sydney.
Archbishop Makarios presided over the Orthros Service and led the celebratory Divine Liturgy dedicated to the modern saint of orthodoxy. He addressed the life of Saint Nektarios and delivered spiritually enriching words to the congregation.
Drawing inspiration from both Saint Nektarios’ personal trials, which included enduring hatred, envy, and slander, and the Gospel reading of the day, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved,” Makarios directed attention to the passion of condemnation that plagues the modern world, including members of the Church.
“Often, we believe that merely coming to the church is sufficient,” he noted, adding, that “We find solace in attending services, praying, lighting our candles, or performing acts of charity. But these are nothing if our hearts harbor a spirit of condemnation towards our neighbour.”
The Archbishop explained that condemnation is a “triumph of the devil”, as it diverts everyone’s focus towards one another while misleading them into thinking they are within the Church and fulfilling commendable deeds.
Moreover, Archbishop Makarios reminded the faithful that Saint Nektarios, who endured condemnation, injustice, and slander, “was ultimately vindicated, both in the eyes of God and in the annals of history and the conscience of Orthodox Christians worldwide. Conversely, those who condemned and wronged him succeeded only in poisoning their own souls and losing the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Archbishop Makarios wen ton to express his approval of the work being carried out in the Parish-Community of Saint Nektarios in Burwood.
He congratulated the President and members of the Administrative Council while offering his blessings to all, invoking the protection of their patron Saint.
The commemorative events were attended by various dignitaries, including the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Malikourtis; the Mayor of Burwood, John Faker; as well as Members of Parliament Jason Yat-sen Li, Stephanie Di Pasqua, and Sally Sitou.
