The Parish-Community of St. Andrew in the suburb of West Sunshine, Melbourne, within the Holy Diocese of Chora, honored its patron saint with reverence during the two-day celebration on November 29 and 30.
On Friday evening, the Great Festive Vespers was officiated by Bishop Evmenios of Chora, with the participation of clergy from across the Holy Diocese of Chora.
On Saturday morning, the Bishop officiated the Orthros and presided over the Divine Liturgy, attended by a large congregation.
At the conclusion of the Holy Services, the Bishop of Chora conveyed to the faithful the blessings and love of Archbishop Makarios of Australia. During his sermon, he reflected on the life of Saint Andrew, emphasizing his prompt and faithful response to Christ’s call and his role as the First-Called Apostle.
Additionally, Bishop Evmenios highlighted Saint Andrew’s connection to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, emphasizing that the Patriarchate was established through the Apostle’s missionary work.
He referred to the importance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as the spiritual heart of Orthodoxy, which preserves the unity of the Church and spreads the Gospel.
At the same time, he emphasized the leadership of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, describing him as the successor of Saint Andrew and a beacon of faith and unity for the Orthodox world.
