The Feast of Pentecost celebrated over the weekend with moving church service

·

In an atmosphere of contrition but also with double joy, the great feast of Pentecost was celebrated on Sunday, June 7, at the Parish of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah, Sydney.

Scores of faithful gathered in church, in accordance with the current regulations regarding the coronavirus pandemic, in order to celebrate the great feast of our Lord with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia but also to welcome with much enthusiasm their new parish priest, Father Kyriakos Stavronikitianos.

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, with the Chancellor of our Holy Archdiocese, Bishop Emilianos of Meloa, the Very Rev. Fr Kyriakos, the Very Rev. Fr Christodoulos as well as other priests who were present, officiated during Matins and presided at the festal Divine Liturgy before continuing with Vespers for the Holy Spirit, where the set prayers for the kneeling service were recited.

At the end of the service, His Eminence spoke appropriately on the great feast of Pentecost and urged the faithful to “put the Holy Trinity in our life.”

“Today’s feast is a challenge for us,” he stressed and explained that the challenge has to do with “learning to pray to the Holy Trinity.”

“We must pray to the saints, and pray to Panagia. But, above all, we must pray to the Holy Trinity because the Holy Trinity is our God.”

Following this, His Eminence welcomed Fr Kyriakos with warm sentiments and spoke about a most praise-worthy clergyman who is a spiritually cultivated person. He declared that he is certain Fr Kyriakos will commendably continue the work of the previous parish priest, Fr Sophrony Konidaris whom, he said, worked with a great deal of zeal.

“Fr Kyriakos will continue this and increase it and he will give his own witness,” His Eminence pointed out while inviting the faithful to embrace him, to support him, to show him their love, their dedication, and their obedience so that united they may move forward and progress.

Finally, His Eminence referred to the worthy people who contributed over time to the progress of the parish, making personal references to the pioneer and the parish priest for many years, Fr John Varvaris, and to the President of the Parish Community, Mr Nicholas Varvaris, who both were present in church.

At the end of the Kneeling Service, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios received bouquets of flowers from young men and women of the parish wearing traditional costumes and stood smiling beside them for photos.

It must be pointed out that the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Sydney is the largest parish of the Archdiocese of Australia and His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the first time since his arrival on Sunday of Pentecost.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Woman who confessed to killing infants moved to high-security Korydallos prison

Eirini Mourtzoukou, the 25-year-old woman who has confessed to killing at least three infants, has been transferred to Korydallos Prison.

GOCNSW youth lead heartfelt farewell to Greek Consul General in Sydney

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW hosted a special farewell reception for the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis.

From Athens with purpose: Reflections on the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025

As the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025 drew to a close, it did so against the majestic backdrop of Athens.

Honouring Cyprus’ martyrs: Melbourne remembers the sacrifice of July 9, 1821

A hierarchical memorial service was held on Sunday, July 13, at the Holy Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos in North Balwyn.

Melbourne’s Greek community pays emotional tribute to the ‘Pontian Eagle’ Peter Jasonides

On a cold Friday night, a full hall at Alphington Grammar’s Lyceum brought warmth to those gathered to honour the life of Peter Jasonides.

You May Also Like

Kyrgios family supports Samian Association’s earthquake relief fundraiser

The Kyrgios family received a message of thanks from the Samian Association of Canberra and Districts for their support in raising money for Samian Earthquake relief fundraiser.

Kogarah Bay Sunnyside mansion redevelopment denied by court after councillor objection

The building is regarded by some as the oldest property in St George and Sutherland Shire.

Students graduate from St Andrew’s Theological College and Byzantine Music School

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia celebrated a Doxology Service at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Sydney.