Australian school children have returned to school after the summer break.
At the Greek Orthodox College of St. John, in Preston, Melbourne, on Monday, February 8, the established sanctification rite for the beginning of the new school year was performed by Archimandrite Fr. Evmenios Vasilopoulos, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Northcotethe, along with the Holy Clergy.
In addition to the management, staff, and children of the College, the sanctification rite was attended by the Federal MP, Ged Kearney, the Mayor of Darebin, Gaetano Greco, the Coordinator of the parade and anniversary events 1821 – 2021 in Victoria, Antonis Tsourdalakis, and the President of the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, Emmanuel Starakis.
After the sanctification rite, the Archiepiscopal Vicar of Northcote read the message of Archbishop Makarios of Australia for the beginning of the new school year. During his short speech Fr. Evmenios said: “Today is a day of celebration and joy, as our school comes to life again. With the divine grace and the blessings of the Church that we just received, we begin the new school year today. It is the wish and expectation of all of us to make a good start so that the new year is efficient, effective, and creative”.
Afterwards, the Director of the College, Anna Urban, wished health and a happy new year to the students and their families and stressed, among other things: “It is an opportunity to set new goals as of today. Our school will help you acquire knowledge and skills, develop your personality, and at the same time cultivate your spirit. In the school environment, where many people live and work together, everyone must behave in such a way that their coexistence does not create a problem for anyone”.
After the Sanctification rite, the students got to know their new classes, got their new books and their weekly schedule, and embarked with optimism on a beautiful and rewarding journey into knowledge.