With the blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis served at the Parish-Community of Saint Nicholas, Canberra, and officiated over the celebratory events of the anniversary of 28 October 1940.
After the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Bartholomew conducted a Doxology Service in commemoration of the Anniversary of “OXI Day” and following this, Bishop Bartholomew during his short speech in front of the faithful who had come to honor the Heroes of 1940, emphasized the importance of reflecting on the faith of those who fought and sacrificed for Freedom. In addition, he underlined our duty to stand firm in the face of injustice, discrimination, and conflict.
In closing, Bishop Bartholomew conveyed to the congregation, the love and blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, while he also announced to the congregation the great joy and honor Archbishop Makarios will bestow on the people of Canberra by visiting the Nation’s Capital and by serving the Matins and the Divine Liturgy at the church of Saint Nicholas on Christmas eve.
Immediately after the service, Bishop Bartholomew visited the Greek Australian War Memorial and conducted a Trisagion (Memorial Service) as well as laying a wreath on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
It must be noted that the “OXI Day” celebrations were conducted in the presence of the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, Georgios Papacostas, the High Commissioner of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, Colonel Ioannis Fassianos, Permanent Military Attaché of the Greek Embassy in Canberra, the former Ambassador of Australia in Greece Arthur Spyrou and the President of the Parish and Community of Saint Nicholas Canberra, John Loukadellis.