On Saturday, May 28, in an atmosphere of resurrectional joy, Archbishop Makarios of Australia, presided over the Vespers in the Holy Church of Saints Constantine and Helen of Perth, assisted by Bishops Elpidius of Cyanea and Emilianos of Meloi.
The Abbot of the Holy Monastery of St. George in Yellow Rock, New South Wales, Archimandrite Ieronymos of the Ecumenical Throne, as well as the Consul of Greece to Perth, Mrs. Georgia Karasiotou, the President of the Intercommunal Committee of Victoria, Mr. Antonios Tsourdalakis, and the President of the Greek Community of Western Australia, Mr. Pavlos Afkos, were also present.
Earlier, Archbishop Makarios was warmly welcomed at the entrance of the church by children of the parish and students of St. Andrew’s College.
During the Vespers, the Archbishop ordained Mr. Zacchaeus Gerovassilis as a Reader, to whom he reminded of the dual duty he is called to serve. As he explained, in addition to being entrusted to deliver the sacred readings during the sacred services of the Church, at the same time and most importantly he is called to live an exemplary life, leading other people to Jesus Christ.
Afterwards, the Archbishop awarded the Medal of the “Order of the Philochristians ” to Dimitrios and Marina Gkougkoulis, who have been giving for about 30 years to the Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen. The honoured couple received the warm thanks of the Archbishop, who spoke in praise of their work, emphasising its selfless character.
After the end of the Service, treats were offered in the community hall, and the faithful, filled with joy and emotion, had the opportunity to talk personally with the Archbishop and receive his blessing.