On Thursday, December 26, Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the celebrating parish of St. Stephen in the suburb of Hurlstone Park, Sydney, and presided at the festive Vespers in commemoration of the feast of their patron, St. Stephen the Protomartyr and Archdeacon.
During the service, the Archbishop preached a homily on the life and martyrdom of the revered saint, beginning with a reflection on the deeper and essential meaning of Christmas: understanding that Christ came into the world “to teach us not to fear and to overcome death.” “We see this clearly in St. Stephen,” he emphasized, “who paved the way for martyrdom by being the first to shed his blood for Christ and our Holy Church.” He continued, “By his example, he showed us all that Christ is not a lie, that his teaching is not just a philosophy, and that the Gospel is not an ordinary book like all the other books written in the history of mankind. All this is a great truth! For this truth he was martyred”.
Focusing on the last moments of St. Stephen’s earthly life – from his arrest and defense to his stoning – the Archbishop highlighted the courage with which the Saint defended the truth before the Jews, as well as his profound love and forgiving spirit.
He pointed out, however, that St. Stephen’s admonition and rebuke were aimed at the salvation of his persecutors, which is why, before his last breath, he prayed that their actions would not be considered a sin against them.
Drawing from the example of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, the Archbishop urged, “We should judge others only when we are certain that we love them; judge them not to condemn but to save them.” He added, “This will be an excellent beginning for our own salvation, as it will help us to know ourselves better. For a person who spends time on others has no time to reflect on their own weaknesses and correct them.”
Concluding his message, Archbishop Makarios extended his paternal blessings to Archimandrite Stephen Tinikasvili, who was present at the festive service, on the occasion of his name day. He also commemorated Elder Stephen, the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa in Mangrove, who was likewise celebrating his name day, expressing heartfelt wishes and gratitude for his contribution to the Church.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
