Bishop Silouan of Sinope paid a first-time visit to Darwin last week to celebrate the feast of St Nicholas, with Greek Orthodox Parish-Community of St Nicholas in the North Australian capital.

The bishop visited the Greek Orthodox school on Saturday, 5 December, to meet with the teachers and students.

On the morning of Sunday, 6 December, he officiated at the Matins service and celebrated the Divine Liturgy in honour of the parish-community’s patron saint.

The parish’s priest, Rev Joel, who has served the Darwin parish community for 23 years, accompanied the bishop throughout his visit.

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Following the liturgy, Bishop Silouan and Rev Joel met the faithful in the community hall where light refreshments were provided.

A meeting with the parish governing body followed and the bishop praised the work of the president Nicholas Poniris and his co-workers.

He also conveyed to them the blessings and best wishes of Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

Bishop Silouan of Sinope meets the students and teachers of the parish community school of St Nicholas in Darwin. Photo: Supplied
The parish community of the Greek Orthodox church of St Nicholas in Darwin was out in full force to attend the divine liturgy by Bishop Silouan of Sinope on their patron saint’s feast day on 6 December. Photo: Supplied