Greek Orthodox faithful across Australia flocked to their local churches on Thursday, August 15 to mark the important feast day of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
In Melbourne, Victoria, Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over a Divine Liturgy at Panagia Soumela Greek Orthodox church in East Keilor. The Divine Liturgy was followed by a consecration service for the church.
Earlier in the day, Archbishop Makarios issued a message which explained the meaning behind the Dormition of the Theotokos feast. He also encouraged people to imitate the Virgin Mary’s example to “become worthy to climb the spiritual “ladder” of our salvation.”
Elsewhere, in South Australia, Premier Peter Malinauskas joined Greek Orthodox faithful at the Church of the Koimisis Tis Theotokou in Croydon. The church, which is run by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA), held a Divine Liturgy in the morning, followed by loukoumades afterwards.
Premier Malinauskas was joined on the day by a number of other politicians including Andrea Michaels MP, Nadia Clancy MP, Connie Bonaros MLC, Mira El Dannawi MLC, Jing Lee MLC, Adelaide City Councillor Mary Couros, West Torrens Mayor Michael Coxon, and Charles Sturt Councillor Peter Ppiros.
In other states and territories such as New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), hundreds of thousands of Greek Orthodox faithful also took part in Divine Liturgies and feast day celebrations.
Many enjoyed loukoumades and lamb on the spit as they broke their 15-day fast.
