The Vespers of Love was celebrated in an atmosphere of Paschal joy on Easter Sunday, April 20, at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Sydney.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the service, joined by Metropolitan Seraphim of Sebasteia, Bishops Iakovos of Militoupolis and Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese of Australia.
A large number of clergy from the city of Sydney also participated, led by the Protosyncellus of the Holy Archdiocese and Dean of the Cathedral, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne, Christophoros Krikelis.
During the service, the Gospel passage from the Gospel of John, recounting the appearance of the Risen Christ to His Disciples, was read in multiple languages.
At the end of the service, Archbishop Makarios blessed the red eggs and distributed them to the faithful in attendance, among whom were the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and the Consul General in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, along with their spouses.
Also present were the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Andreas Liveris, President of the Order of “Christ the Saviour,” and Theodosios Penkles, Vice President of the Archdiocesan Council, also accompanied by their spouses.
