Blessing of the Waters Canberra, ACT

With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios the Archepiscopal Vicar of Canberra His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis attended the church of St Nicholas in Canberra, assisted by Parish Priest Reverend Petros Kipouros. 

During his sermon His Grace spoke about the courage and bravery St John the Baptist had and that he was no afraid to speak the truth. We to are called to mirror his life but loving God and not being afraid to express our Orthodox Christian faith.

At the end of the service His Grace travelled to Casuarina Sands where he conducted the Blessing of the Waters service.  He once again conveyed the love and best wishes of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia 

Young Emmanuel Papanikolaou retrieved the cross. A young man with his background being from Samos.

A luncheon was then held where His Grace had the opportunity to converse with the local people.