On Sunday, September 19, the Greek Community of WA and the Parish of Sts Constantine and Helene held their annual luncheon for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross as reported by vema.com.au.
The morning commenced with the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy officiated by Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea in which the faithful were given again the opportunity to venerate the Holy Cross at the end of the service.
The Bishop gave a brief homily focussing on the historical finding of the Holy Cross by St Helene and reminded the congregation that the feast of the Exaltation gives the faithful the opportunity to pause and focus on Christ’s sacrifice outside of the Lenten Period.
In addition, the Bishop also spoke about the miracles of The Holy Cross emphasising how from an instrument of death the Cross became the cause of our salvation.
Following the completion of the Divine Liturgy, the Holy Cross Feast Day luncheon of the Parish was held, in the presence of Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea, at Alexander the Great Hall in Inglewood.
The luncheon was well attended by over 200 people, including the Consul of Greece in Perth, Georgia Karasiotou, as well as many representatives from the various local Greek community organisations.
Parish Priest, Fr Terry Gerovasilis, welcomed the Bishop to the luncheon and thanked him for his presence during the festal celebrations.
In addition, Fr Terry asked the Bishop to convey to Archbishop Makarios of Australia the warm and joyous congratulations of the Parish on the recent elections of the four new Australian born Assistant Bishops for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The Bishop was also warmly welcomed and thanked by the new President of the Greek Community of WA, Mr Paul Afkos OAM. Fr Terry conveyed great appreciation to the many generous donors and volunteers that helped bring the event together.
During the luncheon, entertainment was provided by the children of the Pontian Dance Group, many of whom attend St Andrew’s Grammar, the only Greek Orthodox Day School in WA which is owned by the Greek Community of WA.
At the end of their dancing performance, the children formed a single line and received a blessing from Bishop Elpidios. Additionally, as a thank you from the Parish, Fr Terry presented the dance group with a donation towards the purchase of their new costumes.
The luncheon was praised as a huge success by all who attended with wonderful delicious food, dancing and company enjoyed by all.
In total, over $15,000 was raised by the luncheon, which will go towards important maintenance projects at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene.