“Let us nurture love in our hearts, cultivate it, and impart its importance to our children.” This paternal admonition was delivered by Archbishop Makarios of Australia to the faithful of the Parish of Saint Paraskevi in the Blacktown suburb of Sydney, where he officiated the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, April 28.
The Archbishop received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the church. During the designated point of the Matins Service, he blessed the traditional palms, which were then distributed to the congregation. Throughout the Divine Liturgy, he preached the divine word, inspired by the event of our Lord Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
After recounting the festive atmosphere that enveloped the people of Jerusalem on this day, he swiftly observed that “only one person appeared sullen and contemplative, seemingly detached from the scene of joy.” This person was Christ, the Archbishop observed, as he foresaw that shortly after the cheers and acclamations, the same people would cry out “Crucify him.”
“The Fathers of our Church, and primarily Saint John Chrysostom, often emphasize that the voice of the people is not necessarily the voice of God,” the Archbishop emphasized. He continued, “Today, there are individuals who hold opinions about the Church despite being atheists.” While we typically defer to experts on all other matters, it’s unfortunate that everyone seems to have an opinion on issues concerning the Church and theology. This widespread awareness and the eagerness of everyone to assert their opinions led the people of Jerusalem, within a matter of days, to transition from shouting “Hosanna” to crying out “crucify him” and declaring “his blood be on us and on our children.”
Furthermore, reflecting on the prophetic significance of the cry “his blood be on us and on our children” for the Jews, the Archbishop urged the faithful to be judicious in their speech and exercise caution when it comes to passing judgment and condemning others. “When it comes to saying a good word, say it without thinking,” he urged. “And when it comes to doing good,” he added, “let’s not think twice about it.” “But when we are tempted to speak ill, to judge, and to accuse,” he continued, “we must all exercise caution, for passing judgment against our neighbor is one of the gravest sins condemned by Christ.”
Concluding his address, the Archbishop expressed gratitude to the Hierarchical Head, Fr. Alexios Kapandritis, and the Board of Directors of the Parish-Community for their gracious invitation and warm hospitality. He urged everyone to embrace a spirit of unity, love, and mutual respect, and he invoked God’s blessings upon their endeavors.
