On Orthodox Easter Sunday, Archbishop of Australia Makarios accompanied by Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia and Bishops Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Christodoulos of Magnesia, conducted the Service of Love following the Resurrection at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Sydney.
During the service which was also attended by a several members of the clergy, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, both accompanied by their spouses, the resurrection message of the Gospel (John ch. 20:19-25) was read in various languages, according to tradition.
“This joyful message is open to all who are willing to hear and accept it. This is why we heard the Gospel passage being read in so many languages,” Makarios stated starting his sermon.
“The triumphant Resurrection of Christ is proclaimed in every corner of the world. Christ’s sacrifice is for all humanity. Not just for a specific nation or ethnic group, but for every person on this planet. Love cannot be limited; it must be shared. This is the nature of love, the nature of Christ, our God. Everything Christ did stemmed from His abundant love for humanity. And, in turn, we are called to respond to His love with our own love – love for Him and for our neighbour, who is created in the image and likeness of God.”
The celebratory service continued with the awarding of the Order of the Philochristos, with a star, to the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley.
The honouree has shown genuine respect and sincere willingness to support the Orthodox Church and its Christian community, according to Archbishop Makarios.
“You have been a faithful friend and a fervent supporter of the Greek Orthodox community,” Makarios said while bestowing her the high honour of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
“Your presence here today is evidence of the mutual respect that characterises our multicultural society and of the spirit of unity that you steadfastly pursue.”
Echoing Archbishop Makarios’ sentiments, Governor Beazley, accompanied by her husband, Dennis Wilson, expressed her grateful thanks to the Archbishop for the honour presented to her, as well as her deep appreciation for the Greek community and the Orthodox Church of Australia. Sharing memories from her youth, she emotionally recalled the beginning of her acquaintance and connection with Hellenism.
“As I grew up, my father, who delivered milk, introduced me for the first time to the Greek community, with people who were his customers. These people worked hard and always struggled for the common good and to progress,” she said.
At another point, Beazley spoke warmly of Archbishop Makarios, highlighting his leadership ability and sacrificial spirit.
“Leaders are those who sacrifice to guide and put the good of their fellow human beings first. And this is what I see in you,” she said, addressing Archbishop Makarios.
At the end of the service, Makarios blessed the Easter eggs and distributed them to the faithful present, along with his Paschal wishes.
