With the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, on the occasion of the Feast Day of Saint Paraskevi the Great Martyr, presided over the Vespers service on the eve of the feast and celebrated the Matins and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the following day, at the celebrating Church of Saint Paraskevi in the suburb of Taigum in Brisbane.
In his sermons, the Bishop spoke about the person of Saint Paraskevi who had a strong desire to be united to Christ. The Bishop encouraged the faithful to mirror the life of Saint Paraskevi. A life dedicated to prayer, selfless service towards her fellow human person, a life of asceticism, almsgiving, and full trust in God.
Also, at the end of both services, Bishop Bartholomew conveyed the love and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to the Parish Priest Father Athanasios Athanasiadis, to the Parish Council, the Ladies Auxiliary and all who serve the blessed parish of Saint Paraskevi in Brisbane.
Moreover, Bishop Bartholomew addressed the congregation about the upcoming visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Australia in October and encouraged both the clergy and laity of Queensland to participate at various events organized in Sydney to welcome and honor our Ecumenical Patriarch.
