With the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, in the country town of Bendigo in the state of Victoria, which is located around 2 hours from the center of Melbourne city, the feast of the leave-taking (apodosis) of the Dormition of the Theotokos was celebrated at the local Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
The Parishes of the Archdiocesan District of Northcote organized the transportation of the faithful by buses to attend this feast day, while the Divine Liturgy was presided over by Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta, accompanied by the priest of the Archdiocesan District.
In His homily, Bishop Evmenios spoke about the joy that the Dormition of the Theotokos brings to all of humanity, bringing to mind certain characteristics, amongst others, that with the transition of the Theotokos to the heavens, humanity gives a gift to the heavens, and heaven also a gift to humanity, as the Virgin Mary becomes a member of the Kingdom of Heaven and Queen and mediator of the world.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Evmenios thanked all those who had journeyed to the celebrating church from afar, whilst also conveying the love and blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia to all who were present.
