On Saturday, May 8, on the feast day of St. John the Theologian, many believers gathered at the historic church of St. John in Preveli, located in Southwest Australia, near the town of Margaret River, to honor the memory of the Saint and its anniversary Battle of Crete.
Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea presided over the Divine Liturgy, while at the end of it in the courtyard of the church the procession of the icon of the Saint took place and the artoklasia loaves were blessed. In his speech, Bishop Elpidios explained the importance of the Bright Week and also spoke about the life and work of the Apostle and Evangelist John.
In the end, he especially thanked Lieutenant Colonel Sean O’Connell, the representatives of the other Christian churches, and Chris Thomas, son of a Veteran of the Battle of Crete.
Important and moving was the presence of Norm Eaton, 2 / 11th Battalion, Veteran Warrior of the Battle of Crete. Eaton is 102 years old and still actively and wholeheartedly participates in many events. Bishop Elpidios thanked, on behalf of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, especially veteran Eaton, who always remembers with special pleasure that he had the honor to meet the Archbishop of Australia during his visit to Bunbury in 2019.
Father John Sullivan, with the help of local believers, organized a meal and delicacies and all the pilgrims were thrilled.
Source: vema.com.au
