The vibrant Greek Orthodox parishes of rural NSW

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Father Edward Waters once again visited the parishes of the Holy Archdiocese in rural NSW on the weekend of the Prodigal Son.

On Saturday, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in Dubbo, and vespers in Orange, primarily in the English language. On Sunday, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in Orange. All services were well attended by the local Greek Orthodox communities, but also by Ukrainians and inquirers into Orthodoxy, showing the vibrancy of Orthodoxy in rural NSW.

At both the vespers and Divine Liturgy in Orange, several new chanters came to the analogion to chant parts of the services in English, showcasing the gifts present in the community and its keenness to use these gifts to serve the Church.

Drawing upon the theme of the Prodigal Son, at each service Fr Edward conveyed the love that His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and the Holy Archdiocese have for the rural parishes, and exhorted the attendees to seek refuge in our churches, as the Prodigal Son did in his father’s house. 

Finally, thanking the presidents of the local parishes, Mr. Michael Gryllis and Mr. Kon Raptis (who also tirelessly serves as chanter across rural NSW) for their efforts, Father Edward promised to convey their prayers and greetings to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and their thanks for the support of the Archdiocese of Australia.