On the occasion of the completion of their school education, the Year 12 students of St Spyridon College in Sydney gathered at the Church of Saint Spyridon for the celebration of a festive Doxology Service.
With the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Doxology was presided over by Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta, Chancellor of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, with the participation of the Parish Priest of Saint Spyridon, Fr Steven Scoutas; the Assistant Parish Priest, Fr Stavros Ivanos; and Deacon Panayioti Constanti.
Also present were the Head of College, Mrs. Amelia Katsogiannis; members of the teaching staff; the President of the Parish, Mr. Alexander Nicolaou-Yules; members of the Board of Directors; and relatives of the graduates, who joined their prayers and expressed their warm support for the Year 12 students.
His Grace Bishop Christophoros reminded the students of the importance of maintaining their relationship with the Church, exhorting them: “Remain close to the Church. Continue to participate in the Divine Liturgy and partake of the Immaculate Mysteries. Remain connected with your priests and with the community that nurtured you. As you make new friendships and enter new environments, do not be afraid to live your faith openly and consistently.”
Farewell Assembly
The 2026 Year 12 Farewell Assembly was a particularly moving and special occasion, during which the journey and achievements of the graduating students were honoured.
In the presence of Fr Steven and Fr Stavros, the Head of the College, Mrs. Katsogiannis, members of the School Community and teaching staff, student representatives from each year group offered warm wishes and messages to the Year 12 students.
Mrs. Katsogiannis emphasised that the Class of 2026 represents a characteristic example of the young people whom St Spyridon College aspires to nurture.
“The Class of 2026 is an outstanding example of the students we want St Spyridon College to produce—well-rounded, thoughtful and active individuals, guided by their Greek Orthodox faith and values,” she stated.
“Academic achievement is important,” she continued, “but it is only one part of what we hope to offer our students. We want them to leave us with a strong awareness of their identity, an understanding of where they come from, and the confidence, compassion and character required to make a positive contribution to the world around them.”
The students now turn their attention to the HSC examinations as they take the next steps on their journey towards university, further education, employment and the many different paths that lie ahead following their graduation from St Spyridon College.
