On Wednesday, 26 November, Bishop Christoforos of Kerasounta, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, welcomed Year 10 students of St Euphemia College to the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Sydney, as part of the school’s annual Spiritual Day program.
Bishop Christoforos warmly greeted the students on behalf of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, emphasizing that the Cathedral is “the spiritual home of all the faithful.” He highlighted the Church’s open embrace of young people, stressing that its shepherds stand by them in every difficulty, question, or search for meaning.
A lively and meaningful discussion followed, during which Bishop Christoforos spoke about the importance of cultivating a sincere and conscious relationship with the Church.
Also present was Bishop Athenagoras of Canberra, who answered students’ questions and explained the structure, architecture, and theological symbolism of the Cathedral’s icons.
Bishop Christoforos conveyed Archbishop Makarios’ love and blessings to the students ahead of Christmas, reminding them of the profound spiritual message of the feast—God’s humility, the call to repentance, and the invitation to live a life filled with light, love, and peace. A shared meal at the hall of St Andrew’s Theological College offered an opportunity for further informal conversation.
The students later visited St Sophia and Her Three Daughters Church in Darlinghurst, where Archimandrite Irinaios Triantis, the parish priest, introduced them to the parish’s ministries, especially its soup kitchen and outreach to people in need. Topics discussed included Christian charity, the parish as a centre of social support, and the value of volunteer service.
Earlier in the day, the students had visited St Catherine’s Church in Mascot, where Fr Panagiotis Mavrommatis, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, spoke on Orthodox worship as “the healing of the soul.” He explained that divine worship is not merely ritual action, but a dynamic encounter through which the human heart is healed, reconciled with God and with itself, and strengthened for daily life.
He offered insights into the church’s liturgical layout, the way iconography guides the faithful toward the mystery of salvation, and the significance of sacred symbols for the spiritual formation of young people.
As a memento of the visit, the parish presented the students with an icon of Saint Catherine, symbolizing the wisdom, courage, and holiness of the parish’s patron saint.
