2024 Lenten Visit by Fr Antipas to the Archdiocesan District of Adelaide
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Archdiocesan District of Adelaide was blessed to host the Very Reverend Archimandrite Fr Antipas from the Holy Mountain of Mt Athos.
Fr Antipas’ visit extended from 16th to the 21st of April 2024, and included a full program offering the sacrament of Holy Confession, with visits to ten of the thirteen parishes of the District. Father also attended a Vigil service with the Akathist Hymn at the Holy Monastery of St Nectarios on Friday 19th April. His visit culminated with his attendance at the District-wide Sunday Lenten Vespers at the Parish-Community of St Anthony’s, Prospect on the 21st April, celebrated by the Archiepiscopal Vicar of the District, His Grace Bishop Silouan of Sinope, together with many of the clergy from across Adelaide.
The people present at the Vespers on Sunday were treated to a beautiful talk given by the elder, on the topic “Pursue holiness”, emphasising the importance of participation in the Holy Mysteries of the Church. He emphasised just how important the Divine Mysteries are to the Church. In particular, he noted that there have been times and places in history when the Church has survived even without access to the Holy Scriptures – its life being sustained through the ongoing celebration of the Divine Mysteries. The talk was followed by a brief question-and-answer session and concluded with light Lenten refreshments provided by the wonderful ladies of the St Anthony’s Philoptochos.
We thank Father Antipas for taking the time to come to Adelaide to encourage the faithful, and we whole-heartedly thank His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia for his continuous steadfast pastoral care and attention towards the spiritual needs of our Archdiocese.
