His Eminence, Archbishop Makarios, visited the parish of St John the Baptist in Cairns on the weekend, for its 25th anniversary and the opening of the new St John’s Community Care.
During his visit, His Eminence bestowed the Gold Cross of St. Andrew on two of the parish’s foundational workers.
The Gold Cross of St. Andrew is the highest award of recognition given by the Archbishop usually to laypeople who have offered lifelong service.
Mr Chaz Giannoukas and Mrs Effie Bacalakis have been working voluntarily to build and grow the parish from its inception in the early 1990’s.
They have donated time, energy, expertise, and private funds to build St. John’s to be one of the most dynamic parishes in Australia.
St. John’s Community Care services over 5000 clients in the aged and disability sector, providing home care, centre based respite, group homes, home modification, transport and much more.
His Eminence pointed out to the large crowd that self sacrifice carried out in a silent and humble manner is Christ-like and pleasing to God.
