The Cathedral of Our Lady “Axion Estin” in Northcote, of the Holy Diocese of Chora, celebrated with particular splendour and devotion the annual feast of the wonderworking icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, “Axion Estin.” The day holds special significance, as it also commemorates the Holy and Glorious Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas and marks the name day of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The celebrations commenced on the evening of Wednesday, 10 June, with the Great Hierarchical Vespers, at which His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora presided. Participating prayerfully was the visiting Bishop, His Grace Bishop Chrysostomos of Bukoba and Western Tanzania, in the presence of clergy of the Holy Diocese and a large gathering of faithful.
In his address, Bishop Evmenios warmly welcomed the visiting Hierarch and spoke about the multifaceted missionary work being carried out in Western Tanzania. He also reflected with emotion on the pioneering Greek migrants who settled in Australia, noting that, perhaps without fully realising it themselves, they were the first missionaries of Orthodoxy on the fifth continent, as through their faith, sacrifices, and example they transplanted and established ecclesiastical life, founding parishes, schools, and institutions that continue to flourish to this day. Bishop Evmenios conveyed the blessings and paternal love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to all those present.
The festal homily was delivered by Bishop Chrysostomos, who spoke about the witness and ministry of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas, highlighting the apostolic spirit of the Church and her enduring mission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations. He made particular reference to the contemporary missionary work of the Orthodox Church in Africa, stressing that Orthodoxy is not the possession of one people or race but is offered as a message of salvation to all humanity. He also referred to the name day of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the completion of thirty-five years of Patriarchal ministry, underscoring the decisive role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as the spiritual centre of Orthodoxy and the point of unity for Orthodox Christians throughout the world.
On the feast day itself, Thursday, 11 June, the Matins and the Festal Hierarchical Divine Liturgy were celebrated. With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Divine Liturgy was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, concelebrating with Bishops Chrysostomos of Bukoba and Western Tanzania and Evmenios of Chora.
Among those present at the sacred services were the Consul-General of Greece in Melbourne, Ms Dimitra Georgantzoglou, representatives of Greek community organisations, students from Saint John’s College in Preston, and a group of pilgrims from the Parish of Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill, accompanied by their parish priest, Archimandrite Irinaios Koikas.
On behalf of Archbishop Makarios, Bishop Evmenios welcomed Bishop Chrysostomos and expressed the gratitude of all for his presence and for the blessing of sharing in worship during the days of his visit to Australia.
Bishop Chrysostomos then delivered the homily, speaking about the great feast of the Theotokos “Axion Estin” and the tradition of the angel-taught hymn on Mount Athos. He emphasised the unique role of the Most Holy Theotokos in the life of the Church as mother, protectress, and unfailing intercessor for the human race, while stressing that true honour toward the Virgin Mary is expressed through a life of faith, repentance, and living witness to the Gospel.
Before the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Evmenios expressed his heartfelt thanks to Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis for his blessed presence and for the joy his leadership of the feast had brought to all. He also thanked Bishop Chrysostomos for his fraternal presence and for the spiritual message he shared with the faithful during his visit.
Referring to the name day of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Bishop Evmenios highlighted His All-Holiness’s lifelong sacrificial ministry to the Orthodox Church throughout the world and his pivotal role as a spiritual father and visible sign of Orthodox unity. He made special mention of the Patriarch’s paternal love and constant care for the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, noting that the many blessings enjoyed by the local Church today are the fruit of that love and trust. He further emphasised that the vision, renewal, and dynamic pastoral leadership of Archbishop Makarios of Australia are a tangible expression of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s care for Orthodoxy on the fifth continent and constitute a precious legacy for future generations.
At the conclusion of the celebrations, the Polychronion for His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was chanted in honour of his name day, while clergy and faithful offered fervent prayers for his health, longevity, and continued strength, as well as for the Mother Church of Constantinople.
