The town of Tamworth in north-west New South Wales, which is about 400 kilometres from the State capital, Sydney, was visited on the weekend of August 26 and 27, 2023 by a clergyman of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, Father Edward Waters, who serves at the Ukrainian Orthodox Parish of St Basil and St George in the city of Newcastle.
With the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Father Edward celebrated the Sunday Divine Liturgy in the Greek Orthodox Church of the city, which is dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr Dimitrios the Myrrh-flowing. It was the first Divine Liturgy celebrated in the local church this year.
Many families of the faithful who live in Tamworth participated and prayed together during the Divine Liturgy whilst their members had the opportunity to partake of the Sacred Mysteries (Holy Communion). After the Divine Liturgy, the Phanouropites were blessed in honour of the Holy Great Martyr Phanourios the newly-appeared. In his sermon, Fr Edward urged the congregation to follow the Saint’s example to keep their faith strong.
Then, on behalf of Archbishop Makarios, Father Edward thanked the President of the Parish, Mr. John Kalokairinos, for the work he tirelessly does for the church, while also acknowledging the valuable support of the Giaouris family.
On the previous evening, a spiritual talk had been arranged, during which Fr Edward spoke about rural Christians in the early Christian Church, while he had the opportunity to communicate with the faithful and sit down to dinner.
Finally, before his departure from Tamworth for Newcastle, Father Edward visited the two cemeteries of the regional town and performed Memorial Services for the repose of the souls of the members of the Greek Orthodox community.
It is noted that the feast day of the Church of Saint Dimitrios, Tamworth is scheduled for October 22, 2023.