With the Blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, on the Sunday of Thomas, 23 April 2023, The Archiepiscopal Vicar of Canberra, Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, officiated at the Matins and presided over the Festive Divine Liturgy at the Holy Church of Saint George, in Hobart, Tasmania, on the Patronal Feast day of the Parish, Saint George the Great Martyr and trophy-bearer and wonderworker.
Bishop Bartholomew was assisted by the two priests of Hobart, Father Irinaios Koikas from the Church of Holy Trinity and Parish Priest of Saint George, Father Dimitrios Katsis.
In his sermon, Bishop Bartholomew first spoke of the Apostle Thomas, the Apostle that has been misinterpreted as faithless, but rather was a man who had faith and proclaimed his faith by having the strong desire to see the Risen Lord, the Apostle who said the words “My Lord and my God”.
Bishop Bartholomew also spoke about the Great Martyr Saint George who also proclaimed his faith by neglecting the riches of the earthly life seeking the treasures of eternal life.
Finally, Bishop Bartholomew conveyed the Paschal Blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia and asked the people of Hobart to pray for our Spiritual Father. Moreover, Bishop Bartholomew asked the congregation to pray for our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate as today the feast day of St George, is the feast day of the Patriarchal Church.