“The period of the Triodion is one of the most spiritual times in our Church. Strive to experience it spiritually and contemplate the messages the Church conveys to us through the Gospel readings of the Sundays,” emphasized, among other things, Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who officiated at the Holy Church of St. Nicholas in Marrickville on Sunday, February 9.
The Archbishop took the opportunity to wish the faithful of Sydney’s Hellenic community a “Blessed Triodion” and to analyze the Gospel passage of the Publican and the Pharisee. He explained that both figures were sinners; however, one was aware of his sinfulness, while the other was unable to accept his sinful state—beautifying his passions and weaknesses and using his virtues and gifts not as a means to draw closer to God, but as self-justifications to exalt himself. “Abandon self-righteousness. Do not seek the justification of men. Choose the justification of God,” he urged in conclusion.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Makarios conducted a memorial service for the repose of the soul of the late priest, Nicholas Bozikis, marking one year since his passing to the Lord. On this occasion, His Eminence once again spoke about the personality of the late clergyman, praising his spirit of self-sacrifice, his love for the Church, his contribution to the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, and his priestly ethos.
It is noted that Metropolitan Seraphim of Sebasteia also participated in the annual memorial service for the repose of the soul of the late priest Nicholas Bozikis.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
