On Thursday evening, December 5th, Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the Festive Vespers in honor of Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker, at the Holy Church dedicated to the saint in Marrickville, a Greek-dominated suburb of Sydney.
Addressing the large congregation that had gathered to celebrate the sacred memory of their patron saint alongside their spiritual shepherd, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the profound virtues of Saint Nicholas and the remarkable legacy of his service to his flock. Drawing inspiration from the saint’s apolytikion the Archbishop underscored the virtue of humility, through which Saint Nicholas reached spiritual heights. He elaborated on how the saint, by embracing poverty, attained the true richness of liberation from material attachments.
Continuing his sermon, the Archbishop delved into the meaning of Saint Nicholas’ name, explaining that it signifies “victory for the people,” as the saint provided unwavering strength and comfort to all who sought his help. “Everything he did was driven by one purpose: to bring comfort to others,” the Archbishop noted. Citing the Doxastikon of the Praises for Saint Nicholas, he elaborated on the myriad ways the saint was a beacon of hope and support for the faithful:
“A healer for the sick, a deliverer for those in danger, a protector for sinners, a treasure for the poor, consolation for the afflicted; a companion for travelers, a guide for those at sea, and for all, a fervent helper everywhere—a most eminent Hierarch.”
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Makarios lovingly urged the faithful to emulate the life of Saint Nicholas, particularly during this period of spiritual preparation for the Nativity of our Lord. “Christ descended to earth to help humanity rediscover God,” he emphasized, adding:
“The life of Saint Nicholas, whom we celebrate today, shows us a path to draw closer to God. Let us embrace his example—a life defined by sacrifice, service, love, and mercy for others. By doing so, we will truly become co-heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, which is my heartfelt wish for all of you.”
