On Sunday, March 20, 2022, the second week of Great Lent, Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis celebrated Matins and the Divine Liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Church of St George in Hobart, Tasmania.
Assisting His Grace was Father Nicholas Bozikis and Reverend Father Dimitrios Katsis.
In his sermon, the Bishop spoke about the Gospel reading of the Healing of the Paralytic where the Paralytic was healed because of faith. His Grace emphasized that we too are suffering spiritually because of our lack of faith. The time has come to align ourselves to Christ focusing on having a relationship with Him.
At the end of the service the President of the Greek Community of Tasmania Nicholas Theodoropoulos, welcomed the Bishop and congratulated him on his recent episcopal ordination, and presented him an engolpion as a gift.
Bishop Bartholomew thanked the President and emphasized the importance of love and unity between the two churches of Hobart. The Bishop also spoke about the love that Archbishop Makarios has for Tasmania and that this can be seen by the Archdiocese sending priests there to serve the needs whilst the permanent priest is appointed.
Bishop Bartholomew also announced the visit of His Eminence to Tasmania, an opportunity to see His Eminence and receive his blessings.
Lunch was then offered in honor of Bishop Bartholomew.