In a spirit of joy, unity, and devotion, the Holy Diocese of Brisbane hosted its inaugural “Christmas Carols by Candlelight” event on the evening of Sunday, December 8, at the Church of St. George in Brisbane. The event coincided with the conclusion of the Youth Conference for the State of Queensland and was graced by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The evening featured a heartwarming program of Christmas hymns and traditional carols from various regions of Greece, performed by the mixed choir of the Christian Union of Sydney, the choir “Ellinikes Fones” (“Greek Voices”), and the choir “Saint John of Damascus” of Brisbane. The festive atmosphere captivated a large audience, including Bishops Bartholomew of Brisbane and Silouan of Adelaide, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Theodore Bakalakis, and Paraskevi Valassaki, President of the Parish-Community of St. George of Brisbane.
At the close of the event, Archbishop Makarios delivered heartfelt congratulations to the organizers and participants, expressing his joy at seeing the Greek Orthodox community prepare for Christmas in a spirit of love, unity, and reverence.
The Archbishop reflected on the infinite love of God, manifested in the Incarnation of Christ. Quoting Saint John Chrysostom, he emphasized, “God takes my flesh to sanctify me; He gives me His Spirit to save me.” He explained that God’s approach to humanity through love reveals the path back to Him, reminding everyone of the temporary nature of earthly life and the eternal destination of God’s Kingdom.
Archbishop Makarios encouraged the faithful to contemplate the deeper meaning of Christmas, urging them to follow Christ’s example as a guide for their own lives. “What we should be reminded of at Christmas,” he stated, “is that there is something that comes next.” He exhorted the audience to embrace the path of return to God, placing Christ firmly at the center of their celebrations, hearts, and lives.
The “Christmas Carols by Candlelight” event not only celebrated the festive season but also highlighted the vibrancy and unity of the Greek Orthodox community in Brisbane. It served as a beautiful reminder of the spiritual essence of Christmas, inspiring all in attendance to prepare for the Nativity of Christ with renewed faith and love.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
