This year’s graduates of the Greek Orthodox Colleges of Saint Spyridon College and All Saints Grammar in Sydney received the well wishes and blessing of their Shepherd and spiritual father, Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Archbishop Makarios honored the graduation ceremonies with his presence, which were organized by the two educational institutions, on Monday 11th, and Wednesday 13th of September respectively.
Specifically, on Monday the Archbishop attended the graduation ceremony of Saint Spyridon College, which took place in the Church of Saint Spyridon in the Sydney suburb of Kingsford. Being joined also by the clergy of the Parish of Saint Spyridon, Father Steven Scoutas and Father Stavros Ivanos, and in the presence of the Head of College Mrs. Amelia Katsogiannis, and teachers of the school, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios conducted the Doxology Service for the graduation of the Year 12 students (HSC Class of 2023). Similarly, on Wednesday 13 September, His Eminence visited All Saints Church, in the suburb of Belmore, and conducted the annual graduation Doxology, joined also by the Parish Priest, Father Christos Triantafyllou and Father Dimitrios Papaoikonomou, with the presence of the faculty and student community.
At both graduation ceremonies, Archbishop Makarios of Australia awarded prizes to students who distinguished themselves for their performance, while offering all the graduates a copy of the Holy Bible. At the same time, Archbishop Makarios addressed them with paternal advice and guidance in light of opening a new chapter in their lives. He urged the young women and men to face with courage and self-confidence the challenges that adult life has in store for them, always keeping as valuable resources their faith in Christ, the Greek Orthodox values with which they have been nurtured, and the valuable knowledge and skills they acquired during their studies at the Greek Orthodox Colleges. In addition, Archbishop Makarios asked them to stay close to the Church and assured them at the same time that the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, its clergy, as well as himself personally, will always be at their side, for whatever they need.
