The memory of Saint Makarios the Great was honoured on Sunday, January 19, at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney.
The event, marking the patronal feast day of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, was significant as it also marked the first Synodal Divine Liturgy since the establishment of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) by the Ecumenical Patriarchate last year.
Archbishop Makarios led the service, which was concelebrated by a distinguished group of clergy, including Their Eminences Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia and Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland, and Bishop Michael of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Australia.
Also present were Their Graces, Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Bishop Evmenios of Chora, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod.
The liturgy also saw the participation of numerous clergy, monks and nuns from the local monasteries, as well as dignitaries such as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
During the service, warm addresses were delivered to Archbishop Makarios by Bishop Elpidios and Archimandrite Christophoros Krikelis, Chancellor of the GOAA. Both expressed deep gratitude for the Archbishop’s sacrificial ministry and offered prayers for his health and continued success in his leadership of the local Church.
In his response, a visibly moved Archbishop Makarios thanked those present for their heartfelt messages and support. He acknowledged the contributions of the bishops, clergy, and faithful in advancing the mission of the GOAA and pledged to continue his efforts to strengthen the Church’s work.
