The festive triduum (20-22 May) for the feast day of Saints Constantine and Helene in Perth came to an end on the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman with the official church luncheon.
The morning commenced with the Hierarchical Matins and Divine Liturgy officiated by Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea at the Church of Saints Constantine and Helene.
The Bishop in his sermon briefly analysed the Gospel reading of the day and emphasised how the theme of water is woven throughout the Pentecostarion period to remind us all that the Risen Lord is the one who quenches our spiritual thirst.
Prior to the dismissal a procession took place inside the church in which the parish Sunday School students held icons of Saints Constantine and Helene.
The Divine Liturgy was the followed with the official feast day luncheon that was organised by the Parish of Saints Constantine and Helene in conjunction with the Hellenic Community of WA and the Castellorizian Association of WA in the presence of Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea and the Greek Consul of Greece in Perth, Mrs Georgia Karasiotou. Over 170 people attended and partook in what was a delicious and appetising lunch.
After the main course was served, the Bishop officially thanked, on behalf of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, parish priest, Fr Terry Gerovasilis, and Presbytera Stamatia Gerovasilis, for their outstanding love, zeal, commitment and passion that they have shown towards the Church of Saints Constantine and Helene from the first day of their arrival to the parish.
Following this, the Bishop then called to the front all the members of the organising committee and sincerely thanked them for their outstanding efforts in ensuring that the luncheon was a great success. The Bishop opened a bottle of wine that he had won in the raffle and shared it with the organising committee and then asked everyone to give them a warm round of applause for their hard work. A group photo was then taken with the Bishop.
Prior to the conclusion of the luncheon the faithful were once again reminded of Archbishop Makarios’ forthcoming pastoral visit to Perth and were encouraged to attend all the various services and events as outlined in the programme. This was followed with the chanting of the Archbishop’s Anthem (Fimi).
A special thanks also goes out to the Archdiocesan District of Perth photographer, Mrs Robi Gerovasilis, who volunteered her time in taking marvellous photos for the Vema over the three-day celebrations for the feast day of Saints Constantine and Helene.
