On Palm Sunday evening, April 9, 2023, with the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea presided over the first Bridegroom Service which included the Matins Service for Great and Holy Monday, at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene in Perth, WA.
In his sermon, Bishop Elpidios reflected on the evening Gospel pericope and emphasized how the Withered Fig Tree reminds us of the tragedy that came upon all humanity – the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden – and how the First Created sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves once they realized that they were naked from the Grace of God. (Genesis 3:7). Bishop Elpidios also stated the importance of not being spiritually barren before the Lord but to constantly work at producing forth fruits of repentance.
At the conclusion of the service, Bishop Elpidios conveyed the love and paternal blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia and wished everyone a blessed and salvific Holy Week and Pascha.