With the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane traveled to Cairns, North Queensland, where he celebrated the first-ever All-Night Vigil at the Church of St. John the Baptist in honor of St. Luke the Apostle and Evangelist.
The Bishop was assisted by Fr. Evangelos Aspiotis, assistant parish priest, while Fr. Sotirios Papafilopoulos, the parish’s presiding priest, served at the chant stand.
In his homily, Bishop Bartholomew spoke about St. Luke as a man devoted to service and offering, whose life was a model of gentleness and kindness. He described the Evangelist as a person of great spiritual depth and learning, who also stood out for his strong faith and dedication to Christ’s mission.
Following the Vigil, a light supper was offered, giving parishioners the opportunity to gather in fellowship. Bishop Bartholomew conveyed to everyone the love and blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, expressing gratitude to Parish President Mr. Theodoros Bakalakis and his collaborators for their dedication to the Church and the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
This celebration marked a historic moment, as it was the first All-Night Vigil ever held in Cairns. As part of the liturgical program of the Holy Diocese of Brisbane, an All-Night Vigil is now celebrated each month in a different parish of the Diocese.
The next Vigil is scheduled for November at the Church of St. Paraskevi in Brisbane North.
