The feast of Pentecost was solemnly celebrated in Adelaide, led by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who is currently on a pastoral visit to South Australia. The Archbishop officiated the Matins and then presided over the Divine Liturgy, accompanied by Bishops Siluan of Sinope and Bartholomew of Charioupolis.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene in Adelaide. The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and the Consul General of Adelaide, Georgios Psiachas, were present. Following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Archbishop officiated at the Vespers and read the prayers of the Kneeling.
During his sermon, he referred to the great church event of Pentecost and stressed that “the Church has existed since before all ages.” “We are not celebrating the Church’s birthday today; rather, we are commemorating its revelation to the world and its place in history,” he explained. “The descent of the Holy Spirit, which establishes the entire institution of the Church, is an additional gift to humanity, enabling participation in the sanctifying grace of God. The Holy Spirit transforms us and makes us worthy to become gods by grace,” said Archbishop Makarios.
Following the Divine Liturgy and the Kneeling Service, a luncheon was held in the parish hall. During the event, the vice president, Zacharias Partou, addressed the Archbishop with warm words, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past five years to the Greek community on the fifth continent.
The Archbishop thanked Partou and, through him, the entire Board of Directors of the Parish. He also spoke about the significant historic event of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Holy Archdiocese and the preparations underway for the forthcoming visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Australia.