On Sunday, July 20, Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the Parish of St. Gerasimos in Leichhardt, Sydney, to preside over the Divine Liturgy commemorating the glorious Prophet Elias the Thesbite. He was accompanied by Fr. Ioannis Kapetas and the Hierarchical Head of the Parish, Fr. Panteleimon Toubelekis.
At the conclusion of the service, the Metropolitan ordained Apostle Averky, a devoted member of the Parish, to the order of Reader. He imparted spiritual counsel, encouraging him to remain faithful to our sacred traditions and to diligently develop his spiritual gifts.
Following this, amid an atmosphere of heartfelt joy and reverence, the Order of “the Christ Loving” was bestowed upon three distinguished Parish members in recognition of their long-standing, invaluable, and selfless service. The honorees were Georgios Papaconstantinou, who has spent many years caring for the sacred lectern of St. Gerasimos Church; Zoe Kartsonaki, who has been actively involved in the Parish’s Philoptochos Society, serving the community; and Aphrodite Kalotheou, who has worked consistently in both the Sunday School and Greek School since the Parish was established
During his sermon, Archbishop Makarios began by reflecting on the sanctifying grace we receive through our participation in the Divine Liturgy.
He then turned his focus to the honored Prophet of God, Prophet Elijah, highlighting the image of the raven—a carnivorous bird traditionally associated with selfishness and greed.
“In the case of Prophet Elias, rather than receiving, we see that he gives,” the Archbishop remarked, emphasizing, “By the grace of God, everything is transformed. What is bad becomes good, what is harsh becomes beautiful, the wild becomes tame, and predators become generous.”
Referring to the modern age, where prevailing attitudes encourage putting one’s own will first, His Eminence explained, “Without the grace of God, a person turns inward, acting solely for themselves. But with God’s grace, instead of taking, one gives—and through this, is set free. This leads to a completely different way of living and being.”
Concluding his sermon, the Archbishop expressed gratitude to the priests present and addressed the Hierarchical Head of the Parish, Fr. Panteleimon, with warm and fatherly words:
“I truly recognize his ministry and journey, and I am proud of him.” He praised Fr. Panteleimon as a cultured and devoted servant of the Parish of Saint Gerasimos and the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
Finally, he offered a heartfelt blessing: “May God grant him strength to continue serving you faithfully for many years, bearing abundant spiritual fruit.”
