The Feast of Christmas was solemnly celebrated in the Greek Orthodox parishes of Victoria.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Christmas Eve by Archimandrite Evmenios Vassilopoulos at the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in Thomastown, Melbourne.
Fr. Evmenios read the encyclical of the Archbishop of Australia on Christmas Day and then referred to the adversities and trials of this year, pointing out that it is necessary that our love for our fellow human beings be stable and constantly growing stronger.
On this occasion, he warmly thanked all those who supported and continue to support the food distribution program for the needy, which is implemented by the Holy Archdiocese.
Father Evmenius also spoke to the faithful about the ways in which Christ can be revealed in our lives, explaining that this can happen through persons we meet in our daily lives and we must be ready to recognise Him. He also addressed the young people in the church, and urged them not to look far for Christ, in case of frustration or sorrow, but to seek Him in the person of the neighbour. “Christ is with us, he is always a companion in our lives,” he stressed, “but sometimes we choose not to acknowledge this truth.” In conclusion, Father Evmenios said: “Let our heart become a manger that will receive the King of all.”