Sunday 27th of August 2023, the feast day of the Great Martyr Saint Phanourios, was a landmark date in the 27-year history of the Parish of Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene in Athelstone, outer eastern suburbs of Adelaide.
The Parish dedicated this day also as an outreach to the non-Orthodox who were welcomed to participate in an “Open Day” so as to get to know the Orthodox Church.
With the guidance of the Parish Priest Fr Efthymios, the members of the Parish Committee together with the Ladies Philoptochos, and the many volunteers, extended their hospitality to the many visitors of Greek and non-Greek origin who visited the beautiful newly erected church and were guided by the priest and the parishioners to the physical and spiritual beauty of our ecclesiastical tradition.
Outside the church, the visitors had the opportunity to buy and enjoy delicious traditional Greek food and sweets. They also had the opportunity to buy books of Orthodox spirituality and be hosted in a friendly environment of fellowship in Christ.
As is usual, the day began with the celebration of Matins and the Divine Liturgy, presided over by the Archiepiscopal Vicar of Adelaide, Bishop Silouan of Sinope, who honored with his presence those who worked diligently for the successful carrying out of the event. Bishop Silouan conveyed to all the stewards of the Parish the heartfelt thanks, the blessings, and the love of our Shepherd and Father, Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The Divine Liturgy and the festive event were also attended by the local Mayor of Campbelltown, Jill Whittaker, and councilors, as well as by the local member of the Federal Parliament, James Stevens, and the local members of the South Australian Parliament, Vincent Tarzia and John Gardner.
The Parish of Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene, Athelstone, has the noble ambition to hold this beautiful event every year celebrating the feast day of Saint Phanourios, with the help of God and the blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
