On Friday evening, 27 February, Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the Parish–Community of Saint Nectarios in Burwood, Sydney, and presided at the Service of the First Stanza of the Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos.
At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Makarios elevated the parish priest, Fr George Liangas to the rank of Protopresbyter.
In his address, after referring to the revered person of the Panagia, toward whom, as he observed, the Greek Orthodox faithful show particular devotion and love, the Archbishop warmly greeted the newly formed Parish Council and its President, Ms Penelope Kioussis. He praised Ms Kioussis for the zeal with which she works and for her spirit of unity. He also commended and congratulated the Philoptochos Association and all those who dedicate their efforts to the spiritual advancement of the Parish–Community.
Addressing the newly elevated clergyman, the Archbishop praised his journey thus far within the Church, reminding all present of the trials and sacrifices inherent in priestly ministry. As he characteristically noted: “The cassock is heavy, and those who wear it must have strong shoulders. Otherwise, the cassock cannot be borne. It requires great patience and is a great cross.” He commended Fr George because “he bears the cross of the priesthood without complaint, with deep gratitude and doxology to God.”
At the same time, Archbishop Makarios emphasised the responsibility accompanying the honour bestowed upon the new Protopresbyter of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. “Today’s elevation to Protopresbyter must be for you a renewal,” he told Fr George, paternally urging him continually to strive for improvement, to ascend ever higher on the ladder of virtues, and above all to become a “vessel of love” for the many people in need today. “Our world today is in need of love,” he observed, continuing: “The human heart is wounded. Even those who smile carry pain within them and cannot easily express it. This too is one of the great problems of society, that it pushes people to withdraw into themselves. We see it even in confession, where people come but cannot speak. You know something troubles them, yet they cannot say it. This is a success of the devil. And what is the remedy? To show them a little love, care, and tenderness. With companionship, a kind word, a smile, and a little time we dedicate to them, we help them feel at ease, safe, and able to open their hearts. And you possess all these qualities. You already do this, and I believe you will continue to do so.”
Concluding his remarks, Archbishop Makarios offered appropriate wishes to all present for the remainder of Holy and Great Lent.
For his part, Fr George Liangas expressed gratitude to Archbishop Makarios for the love and trust shown to him, as well as for the wisdom with which he guides the faithful of the Orthodox Church in Australia. He also thanked his co-workers in the Parish–Community of Saint Nectarios and all those who have supported him throughout his priestly ministry: his spiritual father, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Fr Stephanos, former Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa, Mangrove Mountain; Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Fr Eusebios, Abbot of the same monastery; Fr John Kapetas, who was present; his Presbytera; and his relatives, among them Mr John Loukadellis, President of the Greek Community of Canberra.
