The great Feast of the Annunciation was celebrated solemnly at the homonymous Church in East Melbourne, which is the oldest church in Melbourne, and was founded in 1901.
The Archiepiscopal Vicar of Melbourne, Bishop Ezekiel of Derby, presided over the Festal Vespers, accompanied by the Archiepiscopal Vicar of Northcote, Archimandrite Fr. Eumenios Vassilopoulos, and other priests of the city as reported by vema.com.au.
In his sermon, Bishop Ezekiel referred to the historic day for the church, which had been severely damaged by fire, and is now slowly being restored, while congratulating the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Vassilios Papastergiadis.
On the feast day, Archimandrite Fr. Eumenios Vassilopoulos presided over the Divine Liturgy, with the participation of Presbyter Fr. Antonios Vanikiotis, who is in charge of the church.
During the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Eumenios read the message of Archbishop Makarios of Australia for the double celebration of March 25, while he referred to the importance of the day, emphasizing that obedience to the Will of God always creates abundance of blessing.
Members of Greek cultural associations, dressed in traditional costumes and proudly holding the flags, brightened the day with their presence.
After the Divine Liturgy, a Doxology for the Greek Independence Day was performed.