St. Nektarios Burwood today commemorated 100 years since the repose of their patron saint with a special church service officiated by Archbishop Makarios of Australia and priests from across Sydney.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 50 people were able to attend the service, but parishioners continued to flock to the church throughout the day to light a candle and venerate the Holy Relic of Saint Nektarios.
Speaking about the life of Saint Nectarius, the Archbishop of Australia stressed that he was a person who “really illuminated the darkness of this world” and that it was the reason “why the hymn writer deemed him as a new star, who adorns with his presence the very foundations of our Church.”
In addition, the Archbishop referred to the difficult struggle of the Saint and reminded that as a child, he lived in great poverty, while later, as a clergyman, he experienced injustice and slander. Nevertheless, he never gave up hope, as he had realised that his luminous life would lead him towards light and love.
The Archbishop also spoke of the pioneers who established the parish of Saint Nectarius and acknowledged that the people of the parish would continue to witness in the wider community nowadays. He called on the faithful to carry on with their struggle, which, as he said, was in favour of the Church, the Orthodox Faith and the Greek Nation. “I am certain that you will continue to do so and, therefore, the Archdiocese will be taking pride in you,” the Archbishop concluded. Finally, he wished everyone all the best and blessed them by the grace of Saint Nectarius.