During the first two weeks of August, in the period of preparation for the great feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, the Supplication Service was conducted every evening entirely in English at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene in Perth WA.
With the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the services were presided over by Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea.
On Wednesday, August 10, following the service, the Bishop delivered a sermon on the importance of the doctrines of the Church. Reflecting on the Feast of the Transfiguration, celebrated during the period of preparation on the 6th of August, Bishop Elpidios discussed how the Transfiguration is a Theophany, a moment of revelation of the Triune God-head. Specifically, the Bishop emphasised:
“The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are all present in that salvific moment when Jesus as the God-man is transfigured before the three Apostles revealing a glimpse of His Divine Nature.
The doctrine of the Holy Trinity is not merely an academic teaching, rather it is principle of life that should give form to our existential experience and mode of life; it is a paradigm for Christian Living. The Doctrine of the Trinity, for example, reminds us that we should not subordinate, discriminate or exploit any of our fellow human beings.
Every human person is made in the image and likeness of God, which means that just as the Three Persons of the Trinity are equal yet still having each entirely their distinct modes of existence, so to must we live according to this principle of love and equality knowing that each person is unique within society.”
The services were well attended every evening especially by young families, catechumens and converts to the faith, who appreciated hearing the beautiful supplicatory canon to the Theotokos in English.
Bishop Elpidios conveyed the love and paternal blessings of Archbishop Makarios and wished everyone a blessed Feast of the Dormition.