The Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary was celebrated with splendor at the Parish of Panagia Soumela in the Diocese of Chora, located in the suburb of East Keilor, Melbourne. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who also presided over the solemn Service of the Inauguration that followed the Orthros.
The Archbishop was accompanied by Bishops Kyriakos of Melbourne and Evmenios of Chora, Protosyncellus Archimandrite Christoforos Krikelis from the Ecumenical Throne, as well as a number of clergy from the Holy Dioceses of Melbourne and Chora.
The participation of the faithful was both immense and moving, as they gathered with deep reverence to pay tributes to the “Lady of Pontus.” They came to lay their sorrows, hopes, and supplications before Her, while also celebrating the historic event of the official inauguration of her beautiful temple. Among the numerous attendees was Emmanuel Kakavelakis, the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the events surrounding the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. He made special reference to the historic monastery of Panagia Soumela in Pontus and the cherished homelands that have nurtured the spiritual wealth of contemporary Greeks and Orthodox Christians around the world.
“We must not forget our origins and the legacy of our ancestors,” the Archbishop emphasized. He urged the faithful to uphold their Greek Orthodox heritage and ensure it is passed down to the younger generations.
In conclusion, during the Inauguration, the Archbishop expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the construction of the church and the overall progress and development of the Parish. He personally thanked the Hierarchical Head, Fr. Iordanis Krikelis, for his tireless efforts in addressing the needs of his parishioners and for his dedicated and fruitful ministry.
He remarked, clearly moved, that “for a clergyman, the greatest recognition is when his child follows in his footsteps and becomes a clergyman. This reflects that he has lived well and served as an inspiring example in his own home.”
He added, “No matter how many thanks I express for Fr. Iordanis, it is ultimately God who has rewarded him with this exceptional honor—having his child serve as the Protosyncellus of our Archdiocese. This is the best recognition.”
