The long-standing service of George Kotzas to the Greek Orthodox Parish of the Dormition of Our Lady in Innisfail, Far North Queensland, was recognised in a special way on Sunday, August 17, as His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia bestowed upon him the Order of the Christ-loving.
Mr Kotzas, Secretary of the Parish-Community, was honoured at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, with the Archbishop expressing the heartfelt gratitude of the local Church for his tireless dedication and commitment over many years.
The ceremony took place during the Archbishop’s pastoral visit to Innisfail, where he presided over a Divine Liturgy alongside His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane and clergy of the Holy Diocese of Brisbane.
Among those present were Queensland State MP Shane Knuth, and Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Theo Bacalakis.
In his sermon, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the day’s Gospel reading of Christ healing the demon-possessed young man, emphasising that prayer and fasting are essential for faith to be alive and strong.
“For many people, faith simply means the conviction that God exists. This is only the beginning,” His Eminence preached. “Prayer brings us into a personal connection with God… while fasting disciplines our body and limits our passions. Together, prayer and fasting create a space in our hearts where the presence of God is no longer an idea, but a living reality.”
He also pointed to the Virgin Mary as the supreme model of living faith, and paid tribute to the pioneering immigrants who, 90 years ago, founded the Parish of Innisfail.
