On Sunday, January 5, on the eve of the great Feast of the Epiphany, Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the Parish of St. Stylianos in Gymea, Sydney. He presided over the Divine Liturgy before a large congregation and concluded by performing the Service of Sanctification.
Taking into account people’s tendency at the start of each calendar year to set new goals and envision new destinations, the Archbishop emphasized the Church’s decisive role. Through the teachings of the Gospel, the Apostles, and the holy God-bearing Fathers, the Church provides us with the appropriate guideposts to ensure we maintain our orientation.
A prerequisite for the successful outcome of our journey, as he pointed out, invoking the apostolic reading of the day (“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” [2 Timothy 4:7]), is our unwavering faith in God. “The Christian’s path cannot be completed without faith in God,” he emphasized, adding: “Without faith in God, it means we are walking without a destination.”
In conclusion, the Archbishop encouraged the faithful to transform the Apostle Paul’s affirmation (“I have kept the faith”) into a personal question (“Have I kept my faith?”), which they should ask themselves daily to reflect on whether they are living their lives in accordance with their faith. In conclusion, he wished everyone success in completing their journey and reaching the ultimate destination, the Kingdom of God.
He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Hierarchical Head, Fr. Konstantinos Varypatis, the Board of Directors, and all their collaborators, who work diligently for the growth and progress of the Parish of Saint Stylianos in Gymea. “I am truly proud and happy, and I take great pride in the progress and upward trajectory of this parish,” he concluded.
