On Monday, September 1, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne presided over the Orthros and the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saints Anargyroi in Oakleigh, Melbourne, celebrating the Feast of the Indiction, which marks the beginning of the Orthodox Church’s new liturgical year.
The entire Oakleigh Grammar school community—students, faculty, and staff—attended the service to receive the Church’s blessing at the start of the academic year.
In his homily, Bishop Kyriakos conveyed the blessings and love of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, assuring the faithful that the Archbishop “prays fervently for the youth.” Drawing on the words of St. Porphyrios, he reminded students: “The purpose of school and of life is to become one with Christ so that everything within us becomes light… Above all, dear children, seek Christ.”
He encouraged them to find Christ “in your thoughts, in your words, in all you say and do—especially in your struggles. Find Him in each other, in your classmates, in your teachers, even in those who challenge you. Let Christ be your companion, your guide, and your goal.”
Addressing teachers, Bishop Kyriakos praised their vocation: “You are more than educators—you are co-workers with God, shaping not only minds but souls. In your hands are not only books and lesson plans, but the eternal souls of children.”
The bishop emphasized the sacred connection between faith and education, urging the community to walk “a single path toward holiness” where school and church are united.
The celebration of the Indiction left a profound impression on students and staff, planting “a seed of hope, a call to holiness, and a vision for education illuminated by Christ’s light.”
