On Sunday, February 1, the Parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos in the suburb of Altona, Melbourne, welcomed Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, who presided at Matins and at the Divine Liturgy for the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, which marks the beginning of the Triodion period.
During the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Kyriakos conveyed the paternal blessings, love, and greetings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia to the assembled faithful.
In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the Gospel reading of the day (Luke 18:10–14), drawing attention to the sharp contrast between the self-justification of the Pharisee and the humility of the Publican.
He invited the faithful to examine not only their outward actions, but also the inner disposition of the heart, offering the following exhortation:
“The Pharisee stood in the Temple and spoke about God, but in truth he did not stand before Him. The Publican, however, did not dare even to raise his eyes, and his humility became a ladder that lifted him to heaven. Through the Triodion, the Church teaches us that repentance is not a time of despair, but a journey of return to truth—the truth of who we are before God, and the truth of who God is toward us: merciful, patient, and full of love.
If our fasting does not make us humble, if our prayers do not soften our hearts, if our spiritual life leads us to judge others, then we have not yet understood the spirit of the Triodion. The cry of the Publican, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner,’ must become the quiet prayer of our hearts each day. For it is not our virtues that save us, but our humility, which allows the grace of God to act within us.”
Bishop Kyriakos further emphasized that the Triodion serves as the Church’s spiritual guide, gently shaping the soul through its hymns and Gospel readings, teaching the faithful how to repent with hope, to pray with sincerity, and to walk the path toward Pascha with humility and love.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Bishop formally introduced and warmly welcomed Father Menelaos Chatzoglou as the new Parish Priest of the Dormition of the Theotokos Parish. He encouraged the faithful to support their new priest through prayer, unity, and cooperation, so that together they may continue to grow spiritually and strengthen the life of the parish in Christ.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a gathering was held in the parish hall, where parishioners met in a spirit of joy and fellowship. The faithful had the opportunity to speak with Bishop Kyriakos, receive his blessing, and participate in meaningful discussion.
