On Sunday of the Holy Forefathers, the 11th of December 2022, with the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea officiated the Matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the Feast Day of St Nicholas the Wonderworker at the church dedicated to the saint in the regional Western Australian town of Bunbury.
The church was overflowing with faithful visitors to the parish for the festal celebrations, with about 150 people in attendance, most having made the two-hour journey down from Perth in the morning.
At the conclusion of the Matins Service, a unique joy was experienced by all with the reception into the Orthodox Church through the sacrament of Holy Chrismation of a local Bunbury resident who received the name, Maria. The Bishop congratulated the new Orthodox Christian and explained the purpose of reception into the Orthodox Church, through Chrismation, of those Christians who have already been baptized in another Christian denomination in the name of the Holy Trinity.
In his sermon to the congregation, Bishop Elpidios reflected on the Gospel passage for the 11th Sunday of Luke (14:16-24) reminding everyone that all of humanity, starting from Adam and Eve, have been invited to partake in the Great Banquet as outlined in the parable. It is up to each individual whether we accept the invitation or decline.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a procession with the icon of St Nicholas outside the Church was conducted as well as the blessing of the five loaves.
The Parish and Community of St Nicholas in Bunbury hosted a delicious seafood luncheon for all the visitors and Bishop Elpidios conveyed to all present the paternal love and blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia.