The Parish of Saint Spyridon in Kingsford, Sydney, celebrated 50 years of devoted ministry by Fr Steven and Presvytera Patricia Scoutas during its Feast Day on Friday, December 12.
The celebrations culminated with a Poly-Hierarchical Divine Liturgy presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Concelebrating were Their Grace Bishops Elpidios of Perth, Athinagoras of Canberra, Iakovos of Miletoupolis, and Christophoros of Kerasounta. At the Archbishop’s request, Bishop Elpidios delivered the homily.
At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Makarios presented the couple with the Medal of the Order of the Christ-loving, describing it as “the least we can do” to honour their long and invaluable service to the Parish and the broader Church in Australia.
In his remarks, Archbishop Makarios also commemorated Fr Steven’s predecessor, the late Fr Elias Economou, noting his lasting spiritual legacy. He praised Fr Steven’s fifty years of dedicated ministry and highlighted Presvytera Patricia’s essential role in the Parish’s growth.
Fr Steven expressed gratitude for the honour and for the Archbishop’s support, particularly during a recent health trial.
He also acknowledged Presvytera Patricia’s steadfast support, saying: “Without my Presvytera, I would not have remained in this Parish for very long,” praising her virtues of diligence, prudence, wisdom, patience, and dignity.
The priestly couple received warm congratulations from attending bishops, clergy, faithful, Parish President Elia Economou, and students of Saint Spyridon College.
