As part of his official visit to Australia, Metropolitan Irinaios of Florina, Prespes and Eordaia was welcomed at St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church on Sunday, marking a significant moment for the local Greek Orthodox community.
With the permission and blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Metropolitan Irinaios presided over Orthros and celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the 12th Sunday of Luke, during which the Gospel reading recalled Christ’s miracle of the healing of the Ten Lepers.
The visiting Hierarch was assisted during the service by Fr Steven, Fr Stavros, Fr Michael Tsolakis, and the Metropolitan’s Deacon, Fr Theoklitos.
Among those in attendance were the Vasilios Yiannakis, Mayor of the city of Florina, accompanied by his wife Athena, as well as President of the International Pan-Macedonian Association George Kosmidis, President of the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW Anastasia Theodoropoulos, and members of the State Association.
In his address to the congregation, Metropolitan Irinaios reflected on the Gospel passage, emphasising the importance of gratitude, noting that only one of the ten healed lepers returned to give thanks to Christ. He also spoke of the sensitivities of his Metropolis, situated near neighbouring countries, and underlined the importance of maintaining close ties with the Hellenic diaspora, which he described as a constant source of national and spiritual support.
Fr Steven, speaking on behalf of Fr Stavros, the Parish President, and the Parish Council, welcomed Metropolitan Irinaios to St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, expressing the honour and gratitude felt by the parish community for his visit.
As a gesture of appreciation, Fr Steven announced that, following a suggestion by Parish President Elia Economou, the clergy and Parish Council had approved a $5,000 donation towards the restoration of the Church of St Paraskevi in Florina, which was severely damaged during an earthquake in 2022.
Following the service, the parish extended its hospitality to Metropolitan Irinaios and his entourage at a reception held in the boardroom of the Parish Administration building.
St Spyridon Parish extended its best wishes to Metropolitan Irinaios and Mayor Yiannakis as they continue their visit to other Australian states, inviting members of the Greek community to participate in an international conference scheduled to be held later this year in Florina.
