On Sunday the 18th of September, the Sunday after the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Holy Cross, with the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea Officiated the Matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene.
In his sermon, the Bishop reflected on much of the theological meaning and importance of the Cross. In particular, he emphasized the tradition of giving out flowers on the feast day which symbolizes the life-giving power of the Holy Cross.
The Sunday after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross always marks a special celebration for the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene with a celebratory Luncheon in the Church Hall.
This year the Luncheon was held in the presence of His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea as well as the Consul of Greece in Perth, Georgia Karasiotou, Vice Consul for Maritime Affairs, Nikolaos Papakonstantinou, as well as their families and other distinguished guests.
During the luncheon, Parish Priest, Fr Terry Gerovasilis, thanked His Grace and the other dignitaries for being present. Additionally, Fr Terry recognized the contributions of some of the parishioners to the life of the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene. Those who were thanked and recognized came forward and received a special coin from Bishop Elpidios which was minted by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia to mark the 200th anniversary of the 1821 Greek War of Independence. On behalf of Archbishop Makarios, Bishop Elpidios thanked all the volunteers and urged them to continue their outstanding efforts in the Church.
At the conclusion of the Luncheon, Bishop Elpidios conveyed the paternal blessings and love of Archbishop Makarios and with much enthusiasm all joined together in chanting the anthem of Archbishop Makarios.