The faithful of Adelaide were blessed with the presence in our city, from 29 to 31st of July 2022, of the Abbott of St George Monastery, Yellow Rock, NSW, Archimandrite Fr Ieronymos, accompanied by the Deacon Monk Fr Paisios.
With the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the visit of Fr Ieronymos and Fr Paisios took place on the occasion of a fundraiser event organized by friends of the Monastery to support the works and much-needed projects of the Monastery and relieve its many needs, especially after the great damage caused by the fire a few years ago.
The blessed presence of the Monks in Adelaide started with the Small Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos by Fr Ieronymos, in the presence of Bishop Silouan of Sinope and clergy of Adelaide, in the Church of Prophet Elias, Norwood, on Friday evening, 29th of July.
Following the Small Paraklesis Service, Fr Ieronymos talked about “Joy, a Proof of God’s Presence”, in the hall of the Parish-Community, emphasizing that joy is the natural state of the soul since it is one of the gifts that our Creator granted to us. The talk attracted the intense interest of the attendees and was followed by questions that Fr Ieronymos answered in an enlightening and comforting manner.
Afterwards those present enjoyed the fellowship of each other in Christ at the supper of love provided by the host parish of Prophet Elias.
On Sunday, 31st of July, the Matins, and Divine Liturgy were celebrated in the Church of St Anthony, Prospect, officiated by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Sinope with the co-celebration of Fr Ieronymos, Clergy from Adelaide, and the Deacon Monk Fr Paisios. At the request of His Grace, the sermon was preached by Fr Ieronymos.
Afterwards a fundraiser luncheon organized by friends of the Monastery took place at the “Sunnybrae Estate Function Centre.” The organizers consisted of young people with strong faith and love for God, and with many gifts and abilities, all of who presented a brilliant and edifying event. The Function Centre was at full capacity with mainly young people, which is very encouraging for the future of the Church in Adelaide.
During the luncheon, Fr Ieronymos spoke about the history of St George Monastery and the importance of Monasticism in today’s society.
The generosity and love of the faithful resulted in the collection of $73,000 in the assistance of the Monastery so as to support its many works and much-needed building projects.
In closing, Bishop Silouan of Sinope conveyed the warm wishes and paternal love of our spiritual Father and Archbishop Makarios of Australia, with whose blessing and prayers these blessed events took place. He thanked the visitors, Abbot Ieronymos and Fr Paisios, as well as the organizers for the beautiful experiences of spiritual life that they provided us with. The Bishop also thanked those present for participating in the fundraiser luncheon to support the Monastery of St George, all for the glory of God and the salvation of our souls.
