The Holy Monastery of Panagia “Axion Esti” in Melbourne was entrusted with the sacred relics of the Four New Martyrs of Rethymno – Manuel, Angelis, George, and Nicholas – during a significant ceremony on Sunday. The event, held to deepen the spiritual bond between Australia and Crete, marked a momentous occasion for the local Orthodox community.
The Divine Liturgy, led by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, brought together hierarchs, clergy, and faithful in a packed church. Joining the Archbishop were Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, and Bishops Kyriakos of Melbourne and Evmenios of Chora, along with clergy from the Archdiocese of Australia and Rethymno.
The relics were ceremonially handed over by Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno, marking the fulfillment of a decades-long wish by Melbourne’s Cretan community. The sacred artifacts will now reside permanently at the monastery, offering blessings to pilgrims across Melbourne, Victoria, and Australia.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios described the event as divinely inspired.
“The most beautiful moments in life and the Church are those orchestrated by God,” he said, encouraging the faithful to trust in divine providence.
He also highlighted the symbolic timing of the ceremony, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Australia and the 200th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Four New Martyrs.
“This historic transfer of relics crowns our celebrations of both anniversaries,” he said, adding, “Had we tried to design a more meaningful moment ourselves, we would have failed – but God has achieved it for us.”
Metropolitan Prodromos praised the devotion of Australia’s Greek Orthodox community, particularly the Cretan diaspora, for their unwavering faith.
“The sacred relics will remain here forever, serving as a source of blessings in a land where God’s name is glorified,” he said.
Addressing the Cretan diaspora, he expressed pride in their contributions to preserving their cultural and spiritual heritage abroad.
The event also saw the attendance of notable dignitaries, including Greece’s Consul General in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, President of the Victorian Inter-Communities Council, Anthony Tsourdalakis, and former Secretary General of Greeks Abroad, John Chrysoulakis.
