On the Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearers, April 26, with the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand presided at Orthros and celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in the Holy Diocese of Perth.
His presence was a special blessing for the local Church, as he serves as a missionary hierarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, laboring with apostolic zeal throughout the islands of the Pacific. During his visit, the Metropolitan spoke movingly about the missionary work of the Holy Metropolis of New Zealand, making particular reference to the St. Tabitha Orphanage in Fiji, as well as to the broader charitable and pastoral initiatives carried out across the region.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a morning tea was offered in a joyful atmosphere at the hall of the Greek Community, next to the church. A video presentation was also shown, allowing the faithful to learn more about the Metropolis’s missionary activities and to contribute to this vital work through donations, responding with generosity and love.
Deeply moved by the warm reception and support, Metropolitan Myron expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Makarios of Australia and Bishop Elpidios of Perth for the blessing and the opportunity to visit the Holy Diocese of Perth and to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with the faithful.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a procession of the holy icon of Archangel Michael of Mandamados took place, in accordance with the tradition of Lesvos. This beloved custom recalled the history of the miraculous icon, which, according to tradition, was created in a wondrous manner after the destruction of a monastery by pirates. The icon, greatly venerated by the faithful, stands as a powerful testimony to the presence and protection of Archangel Michael and continues to inspire devotion among Orthodox Christians.
