With particular splendour and the participation of a large number of devout faithful, the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos was celebrated at the festal church of the same name in the suburb of North Altona, Melbourne.
The Festal Divine Liturgy, celebrated on the morning of Friday, 15 August, was presided over by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, concelebrating with Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, and Bishop Eumenios of Chora.
Clergy from across Melbourne also participated, while among those present were the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Ms Dimitra Georgantzioglou, and Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Mr Antonios Tsourdalakis and Mr Marios Kalogiannis.
The joyous and emotionally charged atmosphere of the liturgical gathering was heightened by the ordination to the priesthood of Deacon Arsenios Papapanagiotou, and by the awarding of the rank of Archimandrite to Hieromonk Kyrillos Gavras.
Welcoming the new priest, Fr Arsenios, into the clerical family of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, Archbishop Makarios urged him to strive to emulate his patron saint, Saint Arsenios of Cappadocia, the sponsor and spiritual father of Saint Paisios the Athonite. He noted that Saint Arsenios, like Saint Paisios, possessed divine wisdom, for though they were unlettered, they were enlightened by divine grace.
His Eminence also implored Fr Arsenios never to forget the blessing of the priesthood, which he received from the canonical Church. He emphasised that the gift of the priesthood is intended for the salvation of the flock as well as for the salvation of the cleric himself.
Furthermore, he assured him that both he and the local Bishop of Melbourne, Kyriakos, would always be ready to listen to him and offer their support.
Finally, the Archbishop spoke about the revered figure of the Most Holy Theotokos and the wondrous event of her Dormition and Assumption, through which, like a bridge, she united earth with heaven and opened the way for humanity to be united with God. Concluding, he wished that the Virgin Mary may shelter and protect everyone and guide their steps.
