On Easter Sunday, May 5th, the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Sydney was filled with splendor as the Vespers of Love unfolded in an atmosphere of resurrectional joy. Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the service, accompanied by Metropolitan Seraphim of Sebastia, Bishops Iakovos of Militoupolis and Christodoulos of Magnesia, and the clergy of Sydney.
During the Vespers, the resurrection message of the Gospel (John 20:19-25) resonated in various languages, in keeping with tradition. “This joyful message is open to all who are willing to hear and accept it,” emphasized Archbishop Makarios in his address, further stating, “This is why we heard the Gospel passage read in so many languages. The triumphant Resurrection of Christ is proclaimed in every corner of the world. The sacrifice of Christ is for all humankind. Not restricted to any specific nation or ethnic group, but intended for every individual on this planet. Love cannot be limited, it must be shared. This is the very nature of love, the very nature of Christ, our God. All of Christ’s actions stemmed from His boundless love for humanity. And, in response, we are called to reciprocate His love with our own – a love directed towards both Him and our neighbor, who bears the image and likeness of God.”
The joyful service was further illuminated by the presentation of the Order of the Philochrist with a star to the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley. The honoree has demonstrated genuine respect and sincere support for the Orthodox Church and its faithful, as acknowledged by Archbishop Makarios during the bestowal of the highest honorary distinction of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. “You have been a steadfast friend and a passionate supporter of the Greek Orthodox community,” he remarked during his speech, and continued, “Your presence here today exemplifies the mutual respect that defines our multicultural society and the spirit of unity that you tirelessly promote.”
In response, Governor Beazley, accompanied by her husband Denis Wilson, expressed her gratitude for the honor as well as her deep appreciation for the Greek Diaspora and the Orthodox Church of Australia. Sharing memories from her youth, she referred with emotion to the beginning of her acquaintance with the Greek community: “As I grew up, my father, who delivered milk, introduced me for the first time to the Greek community, with people who were his customers. These people worked hard and always fought for the common good and to thrive.”
Elsewhere, Beazley warmly referred to the Archbishop, praising his leadership and sacrificial spirit. “Leaders are those who sacrifice themselves to guide and prioritize the welfare of their fellow human beings. And this is what I see in you,” she said, addressing the Archbishop of Australia.
At the end of the service, which was also attended by the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, both accompanied by their spouses, the Archbishop blessed the Easter eggs. He then distributed them to the faithful along with his paternal resurrection wishes.
