1st Stanza of the Salutations to the Theotokos at the Holy Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, Thomastown
In an atmosphere of devoutness, on Friday afternoon, 3 March 2023, the Service of the 1st Stanza of the Salutations to the Theotokos was served at the Holy Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, in Thomastown, Melbourne. His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Northcote, presided over the service, joined also by the Parish Priest Father George Frangos.
His Grace conveyed to the congregation the paternal prayers and the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, while he also referred to the spiritual struggle that the faithful are called to fight during the period of Holy and Great Lent, also focusing on the example given to us by the Blessed Virgin Mary.
His Grace first noted that the Lenten period which we have entered often causes us feelings of sadness and mourning, as we reflect on the passion and crucifixion of Christ. He pointed out, however, that Holy and Great Lent should function as a source of feelings of joy, since it is intended to bring us closer to God and to spiritually experience the Lord’s Resurrection. Bishop Evmenios invited the faithful to take advantage of this spiritual opportunity, through ascetical struggle and always with a spirit of unity within the Church Body.
Referring to the Most Holy Theotokos, he observed that her venerable person is at the centre of our ecclesiastical gatherings throughout the period of Holy and Great Lent, in order to strengthen the faithful in their spiritual struggle. He recalled, among other things, that the Virgin Mary experienced indescribable pain when she saw her son being tortured and crucified, but she endured these events with great love and humility.
Therefore, he urged everyone to take courage and strength from the Theotokos and not to lose hope and faith when faced with a trial. Instead, trust in God’s will and know that after the crucifixion, the resurrection follows.
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