On Tuesday, January 19, day of the feast of Venerable Macarius of Egypt and name day of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevastia presided over the Archieratical Divine Liturgy at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation in Sydney concelebrated by the Bishops, Iakovos of Militoupolis, Emilianos of Meloa and Elpidios of Kyanea, and many priests of the city of Sydney.
In an atmosphere of spiritual joy, the High Priests, the Holy Clergy and the faithful who came to the church, wished God to give health and strength to Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who is far from them these days because of his obligations as a member of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
During his speech, Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevastia, first referred to Saint Makarius of Egypt, who dedicated his life to God from an early age and at the age of 30 retired to the desert, where he remained for sixty years.
Afterwards, the Metropolitan of Sevastia spoke with words of love for the celebrating Archbishop of Australia, noting that during his one and a half year in Australia “he managed to enter the hearts of the people”. Metropolitan Seraphim distinguished that in this short period of time, despite the great difficulties and trials, with the most recent coronavirus pandemic, Archbishop Makarios made enormous efforts to get to know the Greek Orthodox flock and to always be close to its needs. “The Archbishop came with motivation, courage and strength to work.” “It is very important for the Archbishop, as the first in the responsibility of the Church, but also as the first in the responsibility of the Greek Diaspora, to guide the Greek Orthodox in this country”, Metropolitan Seraphim also pointed out.
In closing, Metropolitan Seraphim noted that Archbishop Makarios during his short time in Australia proved that he has all the guarantees to meet this great responsibility, and wished God to give him strength, health and a long life.
Heartfelt and moving wishes were also addressed by the Protosyncellus of the Archdiocese, Bishop Emilianos of Meloa, and the assistant Bishops, Iakovos of Militoupolis, and Elpidios of Kyanea, expressing their love and respect for Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
