The feast of the Holy Chief Apostles Peter and Paul was celebrated with ecclesiastical splendor and spiritual joy in Sydney on Monday, June 29, as Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and ordained a new deacon for the Orthodox Church in Australia.
The celebrations, held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, also coincided with the seventh anniversary of Archbishop Makarios’ enthronement, adding a special significance to the occasion.
Concelebrating with the Archbishop were Bishops Elpidios of Perth and Athinagoras of Canberra, members of the Holy Eparchial Synod, Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Chief Secretary of the Synod, and Bishop Christophoros of Kerason, Chancellor of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. Numerous clergy and faithful from across Sydney participated in the Divine Liturgy.
A highlight of the celebration was the ordination to the diaconate of Lambros Lambrou, a devoted young member of the Greek Orthodox community. Addressing the ordinand, Archbishop Makarios emphasized that the Church is founded upon the faith handed down by the Apostles and reminded him that the mission of every clergyman is to build up the Body of Christ.
The Archbishop praised the newly ordained deacon’s lifelong commitment to the Church, noting his active involvement from a young age in altar service, catechetical ministry, youth work, pilgrimages, and parish life. Quoting from his personal statement, Archbishop Makarios highlighted the words: “The Church is my life. Everything I am, everything I have, and everything I hope to become is found in Christ and His Holy Church.”
He also urged the new deacon to remain steadfast in the life of the Church and vigilant against false influences, encouraging him to remain faithful to Christ and the Orthodox faith.
Following the ordination, Fr. Lambros received the congratulations and blessings of the clergy and faithful, including members of his family and parishioners from All Saints Parish in Belmore, where he will begin his ministry.
At the conclusion of the service, Bishop Christodoulos conveyed the gratitude and well wishes of the Holy Eparchial Synod, clergy, and faithful to Archbishop Makarios on the seventh anniversary of his enthronement. He praised the Archbishop’s leadership and highlighted the significant developments that have taken place during his tenure, including the adoption of the new Constitution, the establishment of the Eparchial Synod, and the ordination of numerous clergy across the Archdiocese.
