On Monday, 17 August, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, a Priestly Synaxis was held at the premises of the Holy Diocese of Chora in Northcote, Victoria, with the participation of the Diocese’s clergy.
The Synaxis commenced with a presentation by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, who conveyed to the fathers the love and blessings of Archbishop Makarios and extended his festal wishes to them on the great Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
In his presentation, His Grace addressed aspects of contemporary priestly and pastoral ministry, emphasising that the responsibility of a priest is not limited solely to those who attend church regularly. Particular pastoral care must also be shown towards those who remain more distant, attend only occasionally or, for whatever reason, have withdrawn from the Church.
“The person who does not attend church every Sunday does not cease to be our pastoral responsibility,” he observed, stressing the need for clergy to seek ways of reaching such people, to listen to them and always to leave open the path of return.
On the occasion of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, His Grace also spoke about the trust that must characterise priestly life. Just as the life of the Panagia was a journey of trust in the will of God, so too is every clergyman called to offer himself in ministry without believing that everything depends upon his own strength.
“The One who sustains the person entrusted to our care, who sustains His Church and who sustains us in the ministry He has assigned to us, is Christ,” he emphasised.
During the Synaxis, His Grace and the fathers congratulated the newly ordained Deacon Panayiotis Andrews and welcomed him into the clerical family of the Holy Diocese of Chora, wishing him strength and a good and fruitful ministry.
A discussion and exchange of views followed concerning various matters relating to the life and ministry of the Holy Diocese and its parishes.
Particular reference was also made to the forthcoming celebrations marking 35 years since the election and enthronement of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The fathers were briefed about the commemorative events and wholeheartedly wished His All-Holiness health, longevity and strength, so that he may continue his blessed Patriarchal ministry for many more years, to the glory of God and for the benefit of the Holy Great Church of Christ.
The Assembly concluded with the clergy chanting the Fimi of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, after which a communal meal was offered.
