With the blessings of Archbishop Makarios, the Archepiscopal Vicar of Canberra, Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, attended the church of St Nicholas in Canberra, assisted by Parish Priest Petros Kipouros, as reported by vema.com.au.
During his sermon, the Bishop spoke about the courage and bravery St John the Baptist had and that he was not afraid to speak the truth. We to are called to mirror his life but loving God and not be afraid to express our Orthodox Christian faith.
At the end of the service, the Bishop travelled to Casuarina Sands where he conducted the Blessing of the Waters service. He once again conveyed the love and best wishes of Archbishop Makarios of Australia
Young Emmanuel Papanikolaou retrieved the cross. A young man with his background being from Samos.
A luncheon was then held where the Bishop had the opportunity to converse with the local people.

