On Wednesday, November 13, with the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen in Northbridge, Perth, organized a dinner to celebrate the name day of Bishop Elpidios of Perth, commemorating the Feast of the Holy Martyr Elpidios on November 15.
The festive evening commenced with a Paraklesis service in English, led by Bishop Elpidios of Perth, dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damianos.
This special prayer marked the inauguration of the Network of Pastoral Health Care of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia within the Holy Diocese of Perth. This Network, an initiative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, aims to connect individuals engaged in pastoral care and healthcare services.
At the conclusion of the service, Bishop Elpidios expressed his gratitude for the name day wishes by offering a small dessert to the 130 faithful in attendance. Following the service, the Parish hosted a dinner in the adjacent hall to honor Bishop Elpidios of Perth.
The Consul of Greece in Perth, Eleni Georgopoulou, along with her family, attended both the Paraklesis and the dinner. This occasion marked her first official visit to the Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen since assuming her new role.
The Hierarchical Head, Fr. Eleftherios Gerovasilis, presented gifts appropriate for the occasion and warmly welcomed the new Consul of Greece, Eleni Georgopoulou, with a bouquet.
Bishop Elpidios expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Parish and Fr. Eleftherios for their thoughtful initiative in celebrating his name day. He also conveyed the paternal blessing and love of Archbishop Makarios to all in attendance.
