In an atmosphere of joy and optimism, on Thursday, February 18, the Sanctification rite for the beginning of the new school year was performed by Fr. Emmanuel Stamatiou, Fr. Ioannis Athanassiou, and Fr. Eleftherios Gerovasilis at St Andrew’s Grammar School in Perth.
It was a very joyful event, as it also marked the beginning of the term of Dawn Clements as the new principal of the school.
At the end of the service, Fr. Emmanuel wished the children a good school year and encouraged them to develop a Christ-centered love for each other.
Fr. Eleftherios, on behalf of Bishop Elpidios of Kyanes, conveyed to the staff and students the wishes and blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
This was followed by the cutting of the vasilopita, with the student Kristin Taylor explaining to her classmates the history and significance of this tradition. The pieces of the vasilopita were distributed to the representatives of each class.
Source: vema.com.au