As part of Archbishop Makarios’ first visit to Tasmania, the Divine Liturgy was held on Sunday, March 15, at the Holy Trinity Church in the capital of Tasmania, Hobart.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the Divine Liturgy and the ordination of Deacon Vasileios Verdos. Verdos was ordained a presbyter and will serve at the aforementioned church in replacement of the former head of the Church, Father Timotheos Evangelinidis.
The newly ordained presbyter referred with emotion and devotion to the mystery of the priesthood and thanked God for this great gift. Afterwards, addressing Archbishop Makarios, he praised his personality and his contribution during his brief stay in Australia, while thanking him for including him in the clergy of the Holy Archdiocese through the ordination. At the same time, he thanked Metropolitan Theoliptos of Iconium for ordaining him a deacon, as well as his family and other relatives and friends.
In his speech, after highlighting the value of the priesthood and noting the responsibility the presbyter has, the Archbishop urged the new presbyter to pray, highlighting, “You will not have a successful ministry unless the prayer becomes an essential part of your life. After all, it is Christ who sets the example of prayer.”