Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivered a powerful message during his homily at the Parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos in the small town of Innisfail, North Queensland, stressing that “without prayer and fasting, faith remains shallow.”
The Archbishop traveled to the remote community to meet in person with his spiritual children and exchange greetings on the occasion of the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God.
On Sunday, August 17 (10th Sunday of Matthew), he presided over the Orthros and the Divine Liturgy, concelebrating with Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane. Clergy from the Holy Diocese of Brisbane took part, and among the faithful were Queensland State MP Shane Knuth and Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and President of the Parish–Community of St. John the Baptist, Cairns, Mr. Theodoros Bakalakis.
In his homily, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the day’s Gospel passage concerning the healing of the demon-possessed youth by Christ. With vivid words, he highlighted the difference between a weak, theoretical belief in God and a living, powerful faith, underlining that prayer and fasting are essential conditions for the latter: “For many people, faith simply means believing that God exists. This is only the beginning. Faith strengthens and matures when it is constantly cultivated. Prayer brings us into personal communion with God, forming a living and tangible relationship with Him.
Fasting disciplines the body, restrains the passions, and makes the soul more receptive to God’s grace. Together, prayer and fasting create space in our hearts where God’s presence is no longer an idea but a living reality.”
The Archbishop also referred to the Theotokos, the Patron of the parish, presenting her as the perfect example of prayer, fasting, and living faith:
“Her faith was not merely intellectual. She did not ‘believe’ in God the way one believes in a fact. She knew Him personally, trusted His will completely, and allowed His presence to shape her entire life.”
Concluding with the exhortation, “Let us strive to acquire the kind of faith that can move mountains,” Archbishop Makarios urged the faithful to look to the example of the pioneering migrants who, 90 years ago, founded the Orthodox parish of Innisfail with deep devotion and trust in God.
“As we honor their sacred contribution, we recognize our responsibility to continue their work, safeguard our faith, and promote it with determination,” he said.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Makarios bestowed the Medal of the Order of the Philochristoi upon Mr. George Kotzas, President of the Parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Innisfail, expressing the local Church’s gratitude for his many years of dedicated service.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
