With the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Parish of Saint Nicholas in Marrickville, Sydney, has been added as another link in the chain of charitable service of the “Five Loaves” program, a network that already connects many Greek Orthodox parishes throughout Australia.
On Tuesday, 10 March, Archbishop Makarios visited the suburb of Marrickville, where he performed the inauguration of the new food assistance program, whose mission is to support our brothers and sisters who are in need and experiencing hardship.
The Archbishop warmly thanked and congratulated the Parish Priest and coordinator of the program, Archimandrite Fr. Eirinaios Trialonakis, as well as the members of the parish who participate in its implementation, offering from the abundance of their hearts to fellow human beings in need. He also made special mention of the volunteer service of the Philoptochos Association. He emphasised that charitable ministry, without distinctions or discrimination, lies at the heart of the mission of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, since it is a living expression of love for one’s neighbour, as taught by the Gospel.
It is noted that within the framework of the program, 350 hot meals are prepared and distributed weekly, benefiting impoverished families, the homeless, and shelters that host abused women and children. Finally, the parish will soon begin cooperation with the Marrickville Police Service, so that it may be regularly informed about the needs of vulnerable people in the area and provide timely and targeted assistance.
