On the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, February 8, the Parish of Panagia Kamarianni in Red Hill, Melbourne, revived the long-standing and beloved tradition of grape stomping in the courtyard of the Holy Church.
The celebration was preceded by the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Archimandrite Irenaios Koikas, assisted by Fr Matthew Papadopoulos.
The festive day was honoured by the presence of Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, who presided over the Divine Liturgy and delivered the homily.
In his inspired sermon, the Metropolitan underscored the importance of preserving tradition and the cultural elements that unite Orthodox Greeks of the Diaspora. He made particular reference to Archbishop Makarios of Australia, noting that under his leadership unity has been strengthened and the cultural and ecclesiastical identity of the Greek Orthodox community in Australia safeguarded.
It is worth noting that the grape-stomping custom was held in Red Hill for the first time in nearly six years. The turnout was especially moving and encouraging, with many young families in attendance and, above all, children actively taking part in the grape stomping, joyfully reviving a centuries-old tradition.
Archimandrite Irenaios expressed his deep gratitude to Metropolitan Ezekiel for his honouring presence and the love he consistently shows toward the Parish, as well as for the devotion and respect he demonstrates toward Archbishop Makarios of Australia. He also stated that this celebration will be re-established as an annual event and will return each year with even greater momentum and organisation.
With the blessing of the Mother Church and under the spiritual guidance of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Parish of Panagia Kamarianni continues to cultivate faith, tradition, and the unity of the Greek community in Australia.
