On Sunday, August 10, Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the Parish of Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill, Melbourne, and presided over the Divine Liturgy, joined by Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and Bishop Evmenios of Chora.
The church was filled with devout believers who gathered to pray with their Shepherd, receive his blessing, and express gratitude for his steadfast paternal care.
Among those present were the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou; Federal MP Zoe McKenzie; the Archons of the Great Church of Christ, Antonios Tsourdalakis and Marios Kalogiannis; presidents of parishes and communities; and representatives of Greek-Australian organizations.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, in an atmosphere of spiritual joy and deep emotion, the Metropolitan ordained two young parish members, Ioannis Kozis and Ioannis Lam, as Readers. He also bestowed the Order of the Philochristos upon Antonios Antoniou and Maria Sakoulas, honoring their significant contributions to Panagia Kamariani and the local Church.
The Hierarchical Head, Archimandrite Irenaios Koikas, extended a warm welcome to the Archbishop and addressed him with heartfelt words, conveying the deep affection and respect of all the faithful parishioners.
Fr. Irenaios Koikas, Hierarchical Head of the Parish, presented to Archbishop Makarios the ongoing initiatives and achievements of the community. These include extensive renovations to parish facilities and the establishment of a Greek School under the auspices of the College “Saint Cosmas of Aetolia.”
He also highlighted the organization of five major events this year which, as he noted, “after the agony of the coronavirus, brought the Greek community back to our Parish.” Looking ahead, Fr. Irenaios made special mention of the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2027, marking the founding of the Parish of Panagia Kamariani. He also announced the unanimous decision of the Board of Directors to name the Parish’s new Cultural Center “Archbishop Makarios of Australia,” a venue that will host activities for the youth, the elderly, and the wider community.
In conclusion, Fr. Irenaios assured the Archbishop of the deep love and devotion of all parishioners toward the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the person of their Shepherd.
Visibly moved, Archbishop Makarios expressed his paternal joy at the large gathering of faithful and the spirit of unity that characterizes the parish, grounded in the authentic teaching of Christ.
“The ministry of the Archbishop is not always pleasant,” he remarked. “Through the Mysteries of the Church, he can guide people toward sanctification and salvation, but he also bears the responsibility of keeping the Church united and pure.
Not only united but also pure — united in the truth, not in falsehood. This is why the work of the Archbishop is often arduous. I say this because this Parish went through a difficult period and, for many years, actually lived a lie. You heard teachings unrelated to the essence of our faith and sermons aimed at personal promotion rather than the glory of Christ. Therefore, I am now glad to see you all here, and I thank you for recognizing the truth of the Church and the great benefit that comes when one listens to the canonical Church — not when one follows individuals who are deceived and misguided.
In the Church, it is not individuals who hold value, but the Church itself. We have value only when we remain in the Church. When we distance ourselves from the truth of the Church and from the canonical Church, we wither spiritually and fade away. For it is the grace of God, the truth of our faith, Apostolic succession, and ecclesiastical canonicality that give value and life.”
The Archbishop concluded his address by extending heartfelt paternal wishes to the congregation and warm praise to the Hierarchical Head, Fr. Irenaeus. Acknowledging the many gifts he possesses, the Archbishop remarked, “If he offers them to the Church for the glory of Christ, he will literally work miracles.” He added, “We have already seen this, because in the one year he has served here, he has truly revitalized both the Parish and the entire community.”
