“The spirit of compassion is still alive in our society, and the willingness to sacrifice for others has not disappeared from the modern world,” observed Archbishop Makarios of Australia with joy and emotion during his attendance at the Annual Charity Dinner of the St Elesa Food Initiative, held on the evening of Saturday, 30 May.
The initiative is conducted by the Parish and Community of the Resurrection of Christ, Our Lady of Myrtles, and Saint Elesa in the Sydney suburb of Kogarah.
His Eminence warmly thanked and blessed all those who attended the dinner, noting that through their presence and support they encourage the organisers to continue the God-pleasing work they undertake.
He also congratulated and praised Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod and Proistamenos of the historic Parish–Community of Kogarah, recognising that despite his many responsibilities he does not confine himself to the fulfilment of formal duties but devotes himself to works that demonstrate that Orthodoxy is not merely a theory, but a living reality with a practical impact on people’s lives.
Archbishop Makarios also expressed gratitude to Fr Athanasios Giatsios and Fr Socrates Dokos, the dedicated members of the Parish Philoptochos Association, as well as the volunteers, donors, and sponsors who contribute to the operation of the St Elesa Food Initiative.
Referring to the Feast of Pentecost, His Eminence emphasised that the descent of the Holy Spirit is not simply an event of the distant past. “The Holy Spirit is alive and continues to act within the Church today, sanctifying, strengthening, guiding, and inspiring us so that we may become instruments of God’s love in the world,” he said.
He continued: “There is great need in our world, as we witness increasing economic hardship in many countries. Sadly, behind many closed doors there is suffering that remains unseen by the rest of society. As Christians, we cannot ignore this distress. The love of the Gospel is not theoretical; it is practical and expressed through sacrifice. The St Elesa Initiative embodies precisely this spirit of love and self-sacrifice. Through the generosity of donors, the dedication of volunteers, and the support of the faithful members of our Church, it brings relief to countless individuals and families in need.”
The Archbishop concluded his address by encouraging all present “to continue working together in a spirit of unity, mutual love, and prayer,” and that “our hearts may always remain open to the grace of God while our hands are extended to those in need.”
Also present at the event were His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Abbot of the Monastery of Saint George at Yellow Rock, and His Grace Bishop Chrysostomos of Bukoba and Western Tanzania of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, who is currently visiting Australia.
At the invitation of Archbishop Makarios, Bishop Chrysostomos delivered a brief address in which he shared experiences from his missionary work in Central Africa, where, as he remarked, “Orthodoxy is living a miracle.” He described the strong desire of many people within his diocese to join the Orthodox Church, as well as the ongoing efforts to build churches and schools where children are taught the Greek language.
He also acknowledged with heartfelt gratitude the decisive contribution of Greeks throughout the world to the missionary work being carried out in Africa, concluding with a message to the Greek community of Australia: “Hold fast to who you are: Greeks and Orthodox Christians!”
