The great feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was solemnly celebrated in the Holy Diocese of Chora. The focal point of the celebration was the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, where on the morning of Tuesday, August 6, Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the Divine Liturgy. Among the many parishioners and pilgrims present in the crowded church were the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, expatriate Federal MP Maria Vamvakinou, and the brother of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Nikolaos Archontonis, along with his wife, Aikaterini.
Following the Orthros Service, Archbishop Makarios, accompanied by Bishops Evmenios of Chora, Kyriakos of Melbourne, and Themistocles of Nikopolis from the Patriarchate of Alexandria, presided over the Inauguration of the Holy Temple. He then led the first Divine Liturgy at the newly consecrated Holy Altar. During the service, he bestowed the offikion of Archimandrite upon Protopresbyter Fr. Vasileios Kourtesis, Hierarchical Head of the Parish of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Preston, renaming him “Hierotheos” in honor of the late Fr. Hierotheos Kourtesis, a distinguished clergyman who made significant contributions to the Orthodox Church in Australia.
Archbishop Makarios wished the new Archimandrite health and longevity, encouraging him to continue bearing witness to love, faith, and hope, following in the footsteps of his late uncle. “The high distinction you received today,” he remarked, “demonstrates the love and appreciation the Church and the Archbishop have for you, and the high expectations they hold for your future service.”
The Divine Word was delivered by Bishop Themistocles of Nikopolis at the Archbishop’s request. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Makarios praised the work and contributions of Bishop Evmenios of Chora to the Parish of the Transfiguration of the Savior in Thomastown during his many years of service as its Hierarchical Head, prior to his elevation to the episcopal office. He also commended the efforts of his successor, Fr. Georgios Frangos, speaking warmly of his character and wishing him continued zeal and dedication in his service to Christ and the Church.
In conclusion, Archbishop Makarios extended wholehearted paternal blessings to the large congregation. After thanking Bishop Themistocles for his divine preaching, he urged everyone to listen to and uphold the word of God, applying it in every aspect of their lives.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
