With optimism and having received the blessings of a year full of progress and prosperity, the students and staff of the Oakleigh Grammar School in Melbourne began the new school year. On Tuesday, February 9, the traditional Sanctification rite was performed at the school, which, due to the restrictive measures in force in Victoria, was a little different for each school unit.
Specifically, on Tuesday morning, the students of the Senior High School attended the Sanctification rite which was performed by the Archiepiscopal Vicar of Melbourne, Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis, who was assisted by Fr. Georgios Adamakis. Bishop Ezekiel spoke positively about the Oakleigh Grammar School and stressed to the students that it is a blessing to be part of such a large and active community. In addition, the Bishop of Dervis pointed out to the students how important it is to walk on the right paths, always close to the Church. Finally, Bishop Ezekiel asked them to work hard academically, physically and spiritually, in order to achieve their personal goals and to offer remarkable works to the wider society.
Bishop Ezekiel did not fail to convey the paternal love and blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who hopes that conditions will allow him to visit Melbourne and the Oakleigh Grammar School in the near future.
The service was attended by Christos Damatopoulos, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Oakleigh Grammar School, as well as the Treasurer, Sotiris Vassos. After the end of the Sanctification rite, the Principal of the school, Mark Robertson, hosted in his office the Bishop of Dervis, as well as the members of the Administrative Committee. The leaders of the student body, Evangelia Athanasaki, and Alexander Logan, had the opportunity to talk with Bishop Ezekiel and give him a souvenir gift from the school.
Then, on the same day, the Sanctification rite was performed for the students of the High School, by Fr. Georgios Adamakis, who then read the message of Archbishop Makarios of Australia for the start of the academic year.
It should be noted that the students of the High School actively participated in chanting during the Sanctification rites.
Finally, shortly before noon, Fr. Georgios visited the elementary school classes, to bless the young students of the school.
Source: vema.com.au
