Archbishop Makarios of Australia celebrated the Nativity of the All-Holy Theotokos at the Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill, Melbourne.
The Archbishop presided over the Service of Great Vespers and led the Matins and Divine Liturgy on the feast day, Friday, September 8.
Joining him were Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis and Evmenios of Kerasounta, alongside numerous clergy from the Archdiocesan Districts of Melbourne and Northcote.
Despite the working day and inclement weather, a significant number of the faithful journeyed to the pilgrimage site at Red Hill to partake in the festivities honouring the Virgin Mary.
The joyous occasion also witnessed the elevation of two priests to the esteemed position of Protopresbyter: Fr Emmanuel Ioannidis and Fr Matthew Papadopoulos.
Archbishop Makarios commended both priests as “blessed workers of the Church.”
All photos: Supplied/Markellos Petropoulos/Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
All photos: Supplied/Markellos Petropoulos/Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
All photos: Supplied/Markellos Petropoulos/Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
All photos: Supplied/Markellos Petropoulos/Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
All photos: Supplied/Markellos Petropoulos/Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
In his address, Fr Matthew, who has taken on the role of rector at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Kamariani, extended a warm welcome to Makarios on behalf of the Executive Committee and Philoptohos Association.
He expressed “heartfelt gratitude for the Archbishop’s presence and ongoing paternal care for the monastery’s development.”
Archbishop Makarios conveyed his conviction that, “through love, harmony, and unity, the Monastery of Panagia Kamariani will chart a path of progress and flourish in the future”.
Reflecting on recent challenges, he stated, “This place has gone through a trial with a priest who has been cut off from the Body of the Church” stressing the importance of “unity within the Church” and expressed optimism about the monastery’s “future growth, firmly rooted in ecclesiastical principles and unity”.
During his sermon, the Archbishop turned his attention to the Virgin Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, highlighting their “unwavering faith and devotion”.
“The birth of the Virgin Mary was the result of their fervent and patient prayers,” he said, encouraging the faithful to prioritise prayer in their daily lives, along with patience and steadfast faith in God.
Archbishop Makarios also discussed Anna’s deep faith, which enabled her to give birth at an advanced age.
“Such faith transcended scientific, medical, and logical explanations.” He concluded by asserting that “those who have faith in God not only navigate life’s challenges more effectively but also become upright citizens who contribute positively to society. Faith is a personal experience and a way of life,” he highlighted.
