Archbishop Makarios of Australia, on the occasion of his visit to the celebrating Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen in Newtown, Sydney, and his presiding over the Festal Vespers, also conducted the Blessing Ceremony for the inauguration of the Parish’s newly renovated soup kitchen hall, widely known as the “Soup Kitchen.”
“In this place, I can truly say that the heart of the philanthropic mission of our Holy Archdiocese beats,” the Archbishop stated with evident joy and pride during his brief address following the Blessing.
He paid tribute to the long-standing contribution of the Parish’s former Parish Priest and founder of the soup kitchen, Fr. Nektarios Zorbalas, and warmly praised and congratulated the current Parish Priest, Fr. Nikolaos Stavropoulos, who, as the Archbishop acknowledged, continues this God-pleasing work “with great love, dedication, and self-sacrifice.”
He also congratulated all those who collaborated with Fr. Nikolaos in the renovation and upgrading of the hall, as well as everyone who supports the work of the soup kitchen more broadly.
“Support this ministry of the Parish and of our local Church,” he urged in conclusion, “for it is a work for the glory of God and the healing of the needs of our suffering and disadvantaged brothers and sisters.”
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
