On Wednesday, 3 April 2024, in an atmosphere of solemn Lenten contemplation and with the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea presided over the Presanctified Liturgy at the Church of Saints Constantine and Helene in Perth, WA.
The Presanctified Liturgy was conducted entirely in the English language and attracted a large crowd of the faithful of all ages. In his sermon prior to Holy Communion, His Grace explained many aspects of the Lenten tradition in the Church, including the use of dark colours during the weekdays, the pattern of Lenten services and the importance of the Presanctified Liturgy for the faithful to partake of the Eucharist.
At the conclusion of the service, a light Lenten meal was held in the hall next door to the Church, giving the faithful the opportunity to have fellowship and raise questions for discussion.
Every Wednesday evening at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene, the Divine Liturgy is conducted in the English language and is followed by a fellowship gathering in the hall called “Orthodox Parea”. Orthodox Parea is a catechetical effort by the Church to give those who are interested (whether they be catechumens or baptised Orthodox Christians) a chance to read the Bible and learn more about the Orthodox Faith, the Church and her customs and traditions.