Metropolitan Seraphim of Sebastia celebrated his name day in Sydney on the feast of Hieromartyr Seraphim, Bishop of Fanari.
On the eve of the feast, a solemn Vespers was celebrated in the Cathedral of the Annunciation, while on the feast day, on Friday morning, the Orthros service and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy were officiated by the Metropolitan of Sebastia in the same church.
Metropolitan Seraphim received the warm wishes of the clergy and the faithful while Archbishop Makarios of Australia praised the personality and the work of the Metropolitan. The Archbishop referred to the long-term contribution of Metropolitan of Sebastia to the Archdiocese of Australia, noting that he served it with effort, self-sacrifice and self-denial. He conveyed to the Metropolitan the wishes and blessing of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as the wishes of all the Bishops of Australia.
Finally, he thanked him for what he has offered to the Church and especially to the Holy Archdiocese, and in addition, he stated that Metropolitan’s contribution would be written down in history. “What matters in a person’s life is not the first chapter but the last,” he said, “as this marks the course, history, personality and contribution of each person.” “You have closed a chapter,” he continued, “but the chapter you have opened now with your presence here in Australia, with your discreet contribution, with your wise interventions, I think is what will characterize you and write your story. And this chapter will be brilliant and glorious.”
On his part, the celebrating hierarch first referred to the three celebrated saints, St. Barbara, St. John of Damascus and his patron Saint Seraphim, noting that “from time immemorial they gave the same testimony, this testimony of Jesus Christ which we owe to give in our life.” Regardless of what age we live in, Metropolitan Seraphim pointed out, “those who believe in Christ, we must give our testimony with the same faith and bravery that these three saints have given their testimony over time.”
Afterwards, the Metropolitan of Sebastia thanked Archbishop Makarios for the love and affection while he hoped that God would give him the strength to cope with his difficult task.
It is noted that after the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Seraphim received the wishes of the clergy and the faithful, and then a luncheon was hosted in his honor.
