On Sunday, July 27, Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the coastal city of Gold Coast in Queensland, where he presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Anna.
The Archbishop was warmly received by the faithful, who gathered with reverence and love under the pastoral leadership of the Hierarchical Head, Fr. Romanos Stergiou, and Parish President, Sandra Voukelatou.
The service was further dignified by the concelebration of Bishops Bartholomew of Brisbane and Iakovos of Militoupolis, who accompanied His Eminence.
Distinguished attendees included Tsambikos Athanasas, representing the Honorary Consul of Greece in Brisbane; Georgios Mastrokostas, former Honorary Consul and former Parish President; Dimitrios Raptis; and Theodoros Bakalakis, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and President of the Parish-Community of Saint John the Baptist. The presence of the Mayor of Gold Coast, Tom Tate.
In his inspired sermon, the Archbishop offered a profound reflection on the Gospel passage of the day, which recounts the miraculous healing of two blind men by Christ in Capernaum. He connected this miracle to the lives of the parish’s patron saint, Saint Anne, and the Great Martyr and Healer, Saint Panteleimon, who was also commemorated that day.
He began by explaining that the two blind men were healed because of their deep faith and trust in the Lord—“According to your faith, let it be to you.” He emphasized that “our faith is not, and cannot be, merely a mental process or an emotional desire. True faith must be a living trust—a full surrender to God’s will, regardless of the difficulties we face.”
He went on to speak of the unwavering faith of Saint Panteleimon, who remained steadfast in his confession of Christ despite enduring severe torture. He also highlighted the luminous example of the Mother of the Theotokos, Saint Anne. Though she remained childless for many years, she did not turn away from God in despair. Instead, she turned toward Him with even greater love and faith.
The Archbishop made it clear that Saint Anne’s devotion was not transactional: “She did not pray in order to receive a miracle. Rather, she loved God with all her strength and, in her sorrow, turned to the One she loved—opening her heart and submitting to His will, whatever it might be.”
He continued: “The life of Saint Anne is a powerful reminder that believing is not merely about expecting a miracle, but about entrusting our entire lives to the One who knows what we truly need—and when to grant it. Her faith teaches us not only how to pray, but also how to wait—with patience, dignity, and hope.”
Concluding his homily, the Archbishop addressed the faithful with a paternal exhortation: “In a world that often feels like darkness, let us not become spiritually blind. Let us remain firm in our faith, even when there seems to be no immediate answer—for it is precisely this faith that cultivates and strengthens our souls.”
During the festive meal that followed in the parish hall, Archbishop Makarios made special mention of the invaluable contributions of Dimitrios and Eleni Raptis to the local Church, expressing his heartfelt gratitude and extending warm paternal blessings.
During the festive meal held in the parish hall, the Archbishop made special reference to the invaluable contributions of Dimitrios and Eleni Raptis and their family to the local Church, offering them words of heartfelt gratitude and paternal blessings.
He also praised and thanked the Hierarchical Head, Fr. Romanos, for his unwavering dedication and tireless ministry over many years in the Gold Coast.
In addition, he spoke warmly of Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane and Parish President Sandra Voukelatou, while also welcoming the presence of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, expressing heartfelt thanks for his steadfast support of the Greek Orthodox community.
In closing, Archbishop Makarios urged everyone to remain united and to continue supporting the Parish of Saint Anne, so that it may remain a shining beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism in the city of Gold Coast.
