The celebrations for the great feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple at the Parish of the Presentation of Our Lord, in the Archdiocesan District of Northcote, in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg, culminated with the annual Greek Festival held on Sunday, 5 February 2023, coinciding this year with the beginning of the Triodion, that being Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee.
The Divine Liturgy celebrated on Sunday morning was presided over by Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta, representing Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Bishop Evmenios, conveyed to the congregation the wishes of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios for the period of the Triodion, while during his sermon he focused on the parable of the day, noting among other things: “We have heard of these two men, the Publican and the Pharisee. It is a call for us to examine how we present ourselves before God. If we present ourselves with humility or with selfishness and pride. He who makes himself out to be a Saint, God cannot save him, while the repentant man and the sinner who is fully aware of his unworthiness, embraces him and God grants him eternal life.”
After the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Annual Greek Festival followed in the courtyard of the Church, with traditional Greek Food, performances by traditional dancing groups, and an array of activities for the children. Both young and old, together, shared both beautiful and unforgettable experiences on the day.
