On Sunday, September 14, the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross was celebrated with solemnity and reverence at the newly established Parish of the Holy Cross in Glenelg, Adelaide.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the festive services, marking an important moment in the life of the Parish. On the eve of the feast, Archbishop Makarios led the Vespers, while on the feast day he presided over Orthros and the Divine Liturgy.
Concelebrating with him were Bishop Silouan of Adelaide and Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, together with the Hierarchical Head of the Parish, Fr. Panagiotis Fotakis, and other local clergy.
Among the faithful who came to venerate the Holy Cross was the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, Alexandra Theodoropoulou.
In his homily, Archbishop Makarios offered a brief reflection on the history of the finding and elevation of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, before focusing on the day’s Gospel reading (John 19:6–11, 13–20, 25–28, 30).
He highlighted the loneliness Christ endured during His Passion, noting that despite His teachings and miracles, many abandoned Him.
At the Cross, only His mother, the Virgin Mary, and the disciple John remained.
Addressing them, Christ said: “Woman, behold your son,” and “Behold your mother,” words which, as the Archbishop explained, reveal the Lord’s gratitude for John’s steadfast devotion.
Reflecting on the Apostolic reading (1 Corinthians 1:18–24), Archbishop Makarios emphasized that while the Cross may seem like “foolishness” to those who do not believe, for the faithful it is a blessing and a source of strength.
He connected this message to the modern experience of loneliness, observing: “A person who has faith does not live alone. Even when a person is alone, he feels as if he is not. Even when isolated in the desert, without seeing another soul, he feels fulfilled. By contrast, today we witness another phenomenon: modern people live in cities, surrounded by millions, yet still feel alone.
Summarizing his message, the Archbishop affirmed that “the Cross changes our lives” and urged the faithful: “Let us not be afraid to embrace the Cross. If we embrace it, we will fear nothing in our lives and will find strength and power.”
Before offering his paternal blessings, Archbishop Makarios warmly congratulated Bishop Silouan for his humble and spiritual service, as well as the Hierarchical Head, Fr. Panagiotis, praising his tireless efforts for the growth and progress of the newly established Parish of the Holy Cross.
