On Sunday, March 23, the Queensland Greek Orthodox community gathered to mark two significant events: the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross and the Doxology for the Commemoration of the Greek Revolution of 1821.
The ceremony, which took place at the Greek Orthodox Church of St George in South Brisbane, was graced by the presence of Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland.
The Vice-Regal couple attended the Greek Orthodox Community of St George in South Brisbane as part of Brisbane's Greek National Day Commemorations for 2025. pic.twitter.com/cuQSV5fjBk
— Governor of Queensland (@QldGovernor) March 23, 2025
The service began with a Divine Liturgy for the Veneration of the Holy Cross, a central liturgical observance in the Christian calendar, symbolising faith and devotion. This was followed by a Doxology in honour of the 204th anniversary of Greece’s fight for independence in 1821, a pivotal moment in Greek history that shaped the nation’s freedom. Both services were presided over by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane.
The service was followed by a wreath laying ceremony outside of the church and a cultural programme in the church hall with poem recitals and singing by Greek school students.
The events were a testament to the longstanding cultural and religious ties between Greece and Queensland, drawing together members of the local Greek community, government officials, and clergy.
On the other side of Australia, the Holy Diocese of Perth marked Greek Independence Day alongside the Veneration of the Holy Cross on Sunday, March 23, at the Church of St Nektarios in Dianella.
The celebration, also coinciding with the midpoint of Great and Holy Lent, began with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy led by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth. A procession of the Holy Cross followed, culminating in an official Doxology Service for Greece’s National Independence Day.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Greek Consul in Perth Eleni Georgopoulou, St Andrew’s Grammar School staff and students, the President of the Hellenic Community of WA Paul Afkos, and other local Greek community representatives.
Bishop Elpidios, on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, conveyed blessings and love.
In his sermon, he highlighted the Church’s crucial role in the 1821 Greek War of Independence, noting the sacrifice of 10 Patriarchs, 100 Hierarchs, and 6,000 clergy for both the faith and Greek freedom.
Later in the day, a Trisagion Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony took place at the War Memorial Cenotaph in Kings Park, honouring the fallen heroes of 1821.
