On Saturday evening, 13 July 2024, the Official Opening and Blessing of the recently renovated Church of Saint Nektarios took place, in the suburb of Dianella, Perth, as well as the Vespers Service in memory of Saint Nicodemus the Hagiorite and the Holy Fathers of 4th Ecumenical Council. Both Services were presided over by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who was joined by Their Graces, Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea and Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta, Archiepiscopal Vicars of Perth and Northcote respectively, and by the Holy Clergy of the Archdiocesan District of Perth.
Archbishop Makarios, addressing the faithful who participated with reverence and joyful feelings in the Service of the opening of the doors (Thiranoixia), presented and analysed its symbolism and deep meanings. “Opening these doors is not just a physical act,” he explained, “but is a spiritual invitation, to enter into the grace and salvation offered by Christ, to live a life according to the will of God.”
“Let us use this opportunity as a springboard to renew ourselves spiritually and reconsider which doors we are knocking on,” he then urged, emphasising that “Christ is the One, the Only One, who will fill our hearts and grant us lasting peace. A peace that will remain steadfast despite the various tumults and difficulties raging around us. Christ is the door. Christ is the light. Christ is eternity.”
As examples to be imitated in light of this struggle for spiritual renewal and renovation, the Archbishop presented the Holy God-bearing Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Synod of Chalcedon, the wise teacher of our Church, Saint Nicodemus the Hagiorite, as well as the Patron Saint of the Parish, Saint Nektarios, Bishop of Pentapolis.
“Christ was certainly in the hearts of the Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, who defended the truth of our faith with courage and wisdom”, he underlined and continued: “Christ was also in the heart of Saint Nicodemus, who is famous for his life of strict ascesis, prayer and study of the Holy Bible. Christ was also in the heart of Saint Nektarios, whose life was a life of humility, patience and unwavering faith in the face of the many trials and tribulations he faced, never complaining, but looking to the Crucified Christ from whom he drew strength and courage”.
Concluding his address, His Holiness implored the faithful to be inspired by the example of the Fathers and Saints, and to remain committed to the pursuit of a life of holiness, a life of prayer, with sincere repentance and a heart’s desire for communion with God. “And every time we enter these doors, let us enter into the joy of our Lord. God bless you all!”, he wished all in closing.
At the end of the Vespers Service, Archbishop Makarios of Australia tonsured Mr. Andrew Miller as a Reader, to whom he addressed paternal advice and admonitions for his new ecclesiastical ministry.
