On the evening of March 7, 2025, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne presided over the First Stanza of the Salutations to the Theotokos at the Archangels Parish in Mentone. The service, which marked the beginning of the Lenten journey, was an occasion for the faithful to gather in prayer and devotion, honouring the Theotokos with the chanting of the Salutations.
The Salutation services, also known as the Akathist Hymn or the Salutations to the Theotokos, are held during the five Fridays of Great Lent in preparation for the great feast of the Annunciation on March 25th. These services consist of hymns and prayers dedicated to the Virgin Mary, praising her as the Theotokos (God-bearer) and reflecting on her central role in God’s plan for salvation. The Salutations services are a cherished part of the Church’s Lenten liturgical cycle, offering the faithful a time to meditate on Mary’s humility, obedience, and her willingness to accept God’s will.
Throughout the Salutations service, the congregation chanted the beautiful and poignant Akathist Hymn, a lengthy and poetic expression of praise to the Theotokos. The hymn recounts key moments from the life of the Virgin Mary, focusing on her role in the Incarnation of Christ and her virtues as the Mother of God. The term “Salutations” refers to the repeated praises and greetings that the faithful offer to Mary, echoing the greeting of the Archangel Gabriel in the Annunciation: “Rejoice, O Full of Grace!”
During the First Salutations service, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne delivered a moving address to the congregation. He spoke of the importance of silence and repentance during this sacred season, urging the faithful to embrace quiet reflection as a means of drawing closer to God.
“Silence is essential,” he remarked, “for it allows us to listen to God’s voice in our hearts and to turn in repentance toward Him.” Bishop Kyriakos also reflected on the deep spiritual significance of the Virgin Mary’s silence in the presence of the Archangel Gabriel, noting that her example teaches the faithful to surrender to God’s will in humility and trust.
Bishop Kyriakos conveyed the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to the parish, encouraging the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith and to continue their spiritual journey through Lent with devotion and reverence.
As the Salutations service concluded, the faithful left the church uplifted and inspired by the example of the Theotokos, prepared to continue their Lenten journey in prayer, silence, and repentance.
