On the Sunday before the Nativity of Christ, December 21, Archbishop of Australia Makarios visited the Parish–Community of Saint Euphemia in Bankstown, Sydney.
The Archbishop presided at the Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Before the Dismissal, he briefly referred to the Gospel reading of the day (Matthew 1:1–25), which presents the genealogy of Jesus Christ according to the flesh, and then offered spiritual encouragement to the large congregation regarding proper preparation for the forthcoming great feast of Christendom.
Emphasising that Christmas is an opportunity for spiritual renewal, he urged the faithful not to become trapped in the false and superficial character that the celebrations of this period often assume, but rather to delve into the true meaning of the Incarnation of the Son and Word of God.
“Let us not remain only with decorations, shopping, food, and festive tables. Let us celebrate Christmas in a deeper and more meaningful way. Let us prepare our hearts to become a manger, so that Christ may dwell within,” he stressed, among other things.
He further noted that spiritual preparation requires prayer, confession, almsgiving, participation in the liturgical life of the Church, and reception of Holy Communion. “If we make this preparation,” he added, “then we will truly realise what the great event of Christmas means. We will feel that something is changing in our lives and that something new is being born.”
In conclusion, Archbishop Makarios warmly conveyed his Christmas and New Year wishes to the Parish Priest, Fr Panagiotis Protopsaltis; the Deacon, Fr Meliton Haridemos; the President and Board of the Parish–Community; as well as to the staff and students of Saint Euphemia College, and to all the parishioners.
