The faithful celebrated today First Sunday of Great Lent, Sunday of Orthodoxy, and the restoration of the icons to the churches at the Church of Sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene in Sydney.
The Protosyncellus of the Archdiocese of Australia, Bishop Aimilianos of Meloe, presided over the Divine Liturgy. Then, in accordance with the Typikon, followed the procession of the icons in order to commemorate the restoration of the Icons in 843 AD.
In his sermon, Bishop Aimilianos of Meloe read a passage from the Gospel, which refers to Philip and Nathanael who were called by Jesus Christ. He urged the faithful to follow the example of the two Apostles, who left everything behind and followed the Son of God. Finally, he spoke of sexual temptations, ambition, and greed, which do not let humans renounce themselves and follow Jesus Christ.