On Sunday, 12 October, the Diocese of Perth proudly organised a fundraising luncheon at the Archdiocese Conference Room in the suburb of Dianella, dedicated to supporting the practical needs of the Holy Monastery of St John in Forrestfield. The event was a resounding success, raising a total of $95,000 and filling the conference room to capacity with 300 attendees, leaving no room for additional ticket sales.
The luncheon welcomed the presence of Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Archimandrite Makarios Souris, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint John, all the reverend fathers of the Holy Diocese of Perth, as well as distinguished guests including The Honourable Consul for Greece in Perth, Mrs Eleni Georgopoulou, Archons of the Ecumenical Throne from the Diocese of Perth, Mr Michael Sutherland, former Deputy Speaker of the WA Legislative Assembly, Mrs Michelle Sutherland, Councillor for the City of Bayswater, Mr Kevin Kannis, President of the Castellorizian Association of WA, and Mrs Katina Kakulas, the only surviving spouse of one of the original three Kakulas brothers who generously donated the land on which the monastery now stands. In addition, major donors to the monastery were present to share in the occasion.
The luncheon commenced with an inspiring message from Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who stated: “The Holy Monastery of St John of the Mountain is indeed a spiritual haven, which inspires faith in Christ and spiritually nourishes the faithful of the Holy Diocese of Perth. I therefore fervently encourage all of you, with one mind and heart, and with faith and love, to support this sacred cause, which seeks to contribute to the building up, edification, and progress of the Monastery of St John, whereby, with the grace of God, it may shine as a radiant beacon of Orthodox faith and life.”
Following this, Fr Makarios Souris expressed his heartfelt gratitude: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios for his unwavering love, support, and spiritual guidance toward our humble monastery of St John in Perth. His Eminence’s paternal care and encouragement have been a great source of strength for our brotherhood, inspiring us to persevere in our monastic labours with renewed dedication and peace. His pastoral visits, prayers, encyclicals, and generous support have deeply touched our hearts and uplifted our monastic community. We thank God for the blessing of his archpastoral presence in our lives, and we continue to pray that our Lord grants His Eminence health, strength, and many years.”
Throughout the luncheon, a silent auction was held featuring a beautiful mosaic icon generously donated by Olympia Marble in Sydney, raising $10,000. In addition, an anonymous benefactor made a remarkable contribution of $30,000, alongside many other generous anonymous donations on the day.
Towards the conclusion of the event, those who have long served and faithfully supported the monastery—including volunteers, donors, and benefactors—were honoured on behalf of Archbishop Makarios by Bishop Elpidios, receiving Centenary Commemorative Coins from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, with a total of seventeen recipients recognised for their devoted service.
In addition, the faithful from each parish had previously held cake stalls to support the monastery financially, raising a total of $7,000, while the Central Philoptochos of St Tabitha presented Fr Makarios with a $1,000 cheque during the luncheon.
The occasion was further brightened by the celebration of three milestone birthdays—87, 90, and 95 years—with the honourees called to the front to cut the birthday cake as the congregation offered their heartfelt congratulations.
Bishop Elpidios concluded the luncheon by conveying the paternal blessings and love of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, expressing gratitude to all attendees for their unwavering support and continued dedication to the Holy Monastery of St John in Perth.
This memorable gathering not only reflected the steadfast commitment and generosity of the faithful but also provided an invaluable opportunity for fellowship among all parishes, while reaffirming the monastery’s essential role in the life of the Perth Diocese.
