A moment of profound historical and spiritual significance unfolded on the evening of Friday, January 9, at the Greek Orthodox Church of St John in Batemans Bay, where a Hierarchical Vespers service was celebrated, presided over by Bishop Athenagoras of Canberra. The Bishop attended as the representative of Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
This visit marked the first official presence of a Bishop of Canberra in Batemans Bay. The two-day celebration led by Bishop Athenagoras, which will culminate on Saturday, January 10, represents a landmark event for the local Greek Orthodox community and the wider South Coast region of New South Wales.
Bishop Athenagoras was accompanied by Fr Savvas Pizania from Sydney and Fr Platon Derlis from Victoria, adding to the solemnity and significance of the occasion.
Among those present in the congregation was the President of the community, Sideris Paschalidis, who for more than 50 years has served the local community with tireless dedication. Mr Paschalidis warmly welcomed Bishop Athenagoras and the clergy, expressing the gratitude and joy of the faithful for this historic visit.
