The Sunshine West Community in Melbourne celebrated the feast of Saint Andrew the First-Called with deep devotion and joy, in services presided over by Bishop Evmenios of Chora.
The celebrations began on Saturday evening, 29 November, with the Festal Great Vespers. On Sunday morning, the faithful gathered for the Archieratical Divine Liturgy, followed by the traditional procession of the holy icon around the church, in a vibrant atmosphere of prayer and unity.
In his homily, Bishop Evmenios highlighted the apostolic character of Saint Andrew, noting that he never kept the faith to himself but always led others to Christ—whether his brother Peter, the young boy with the five loaves, or the Greeks who sought to see the Lord.
He encouraged the faithful to imitate this openness and generosity of spirit: to strengthen one another, to open paths for others, and to welcome all into the life of the Church.
At the conclusion of the service, Bishop Eumenios conveyed the paternal love and blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, expressing the Archbishop’s closeness and prayers for the entire community.
