On the morning of Sunday, September 7, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne visited the Parish of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in East Melbourne, where he presided at Matins and celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
The day carried particular spiritual significance, as it coincided with three important feasts: the Sunday before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the forefeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, and the commemoration of St. Kassiani the Hymnographer. This convergence of feasts invited the faithful to deeper reflection on the Cross, the revered person of the Theotokos, and the sanctifying beauty of Orthodox hymnography.
Bishop Kyriakos was warmly welcomed by the parish priest, Fr. Antonios Vanikiotis, and by the faithful who had gathered to worship, including many families and children.
In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the day’s Gospel reading (John 3:13–17), focusing on the mystery of the Cross and God’s infinite love for the world:
“The Cross of our Lord is not a symbol of defeat,” he emphasized, “but His very throne of glory. Just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the desert, so Christ is lifted up—not to condemn, but to save; not to punish, but to heal. The Cross is the place where heaven and earth meet, where death is conquered by life.”
Turning to the words of the Lord, “For God so loved the world…”, Bishop Kyriakos underlined:
“This divine love is not abstract. It is crucified. It is personal. It is offered to each of us unconditionally, though not without sacrifice. Let us turn our eyes to the Cross not only with sorrow, but with awe and thanksgiving. Through it, we are reborn and become children of light.”
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Bishop conveyed the paternal blessing and heartfelt wishes of Archbishop Makarios of Australia to the faithful:
“His Eminence embraces you all in Christ and sends you his love and blessing,” he said, adding: “Especially today, on Father’s Day, he prays for all fathers—both biological and spiritual—that they may be strengthened in the image of our Heavenly Father and always serve with humility and love.”
Before the Dismissal, Fr. Antonios Vanikiotis expressed his gratitude to the Bishop with warm words. After the service, many parishioners remained in the parish hall to personally greet Bishop Kyriakos in a spirit of love and unity.
