Archbishop Makarios visited St John’s Greek Orthodox College in Preston on Monday 11 August, leading a Holy Invocation to the Theotokos alongside Bishops Evmenios of Chora and Kyriakos of Melbourne, clergy of the Holy Archdiocese, staff, and students.
Students sang the Prayer of the Virgin Mary before His Eminence spoke about the Mother of God, urging them to bring their concerns to her in prayer. “Just as a good mother never tires of hearing her child say ‘help me,’ so too does our Blessed Mother never tire of hearing your prayers,” he said.
He encouraged students to imitate the Virgin Mary’s faith and obedience, noting that they could live close to God now through prayer, kindness, and forgiveness. Addressing older students, he urged them to follow her example as a safe guide through life’s pressures, adding, “You do not need to be perfect. Just keep walking towards Christ.”
Archbishop Makarios also met with College Principal Andrew Ponsford, board members, staff, and students, offering his blessing for the school’s work ahead of the Feast of the Assumption.
The previous evening in Balwyn North, His Eminence presided over the Great Paracletic Canon at the Parish of the Presentation of Our Lady to the Temple and ordained parish priest Father Nikolaos Georgiou as a Spiritual Confessor.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios highlighted the importance of the Sacrament of Confession, urging priests to counsel with humility and in accordance with the teachings of Christ and the Church. Citing advice from Saint Paisios the Athonite, he said a confessor should pray, “My Christ, help me never to counsel anyone wrongly.”
Reflecting on the parable of the prodigal son, he said the Church must offer love and an “open door” to all, avoiding rejection and judgement. He expressed confidence that Fr Nikolaos would serve with humility and responsibility, guiding many towards Christ and salvation.
