Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane attends the 60 Years Gala Dinner for the Parish – Community of Saint Euphemia, Bankstown
With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane attended the weekend celebrations for the 60 Years Anniversary since the establishment of the Parish – Community of Saint Euphemia, Bankstown.
The Anniversary dinner took place on Saturday evening, and commenced with His Grace reading the official message of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, President of the Holy Eparchial Synod.
Following this, His Grace Bishop Bartholomew who was a parishioner of Saint Euphemia, who served as an acolyte at the parish as a child and attended the Greek Afternoon School of the parish, then addressed the gathering reflecting on the many individuals who for decades served the Parish and Community.
In particular, His Grace spoke about the late Parish Priest of Saint Euphemia, Father Michael Apostolopoulos who for decades served the parish. Bishop Bartholomew praised Father Michael stating he was a priest who was always obedient to his ecclesiastical authority, a priest who loved to conduct holy services and develop the spirituality of his parishioners, a humble and pious servant of the Lord, a priest who loved his parishioners and in turn was loved by the many.
Bishop Bartholomew also spoke about the late President Mr Panagiotis Theofilou who for decades led the Parish Council with a strong work ethic and dedication.
The Bishop thanked on behalf of His Eminence, the present Parish Priest Father Panagiotis Protopsaltis for his 20 years of service at the parish, illustrating that Father Panagiotis is a humble priest, a priest well loved at the parish. His Grace also thanked Presytera Irene Protopsaltis for her support towards the parish stating that “behind every good priest is a good presvytera”.
Traditional Greek dancing then followed by the dancing group of the parish.
The end of the evening saw His Grace present awards along with Father Panagiotis and the Parish Council President Mr Chris Spiropoulos to the various volunteers of the parish and the families of those who sadly departed this world who served the parish with distinction.
On the next day, His Grace officiated at the Matins service and presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Euphemia assisted by the Parish Priest Father Panagiotis Protopsaltis, Archimandrites Victor and Prodromos Penel, Father Dimitri Tsakas and Deacon Meliton Haridemos. It must be noted that both Archimandrite Victor and Father Dimitri Tsakas served at the Parish and Community of Saint Euphemia as assistant priests to the late Father Michael Apostolopoulos.
Bishop Bartholomew addressed the congregation stating that we have a responsibility to reflect on the many past volunteers of the parish who have departed this life.
Finally, His Grace conveyed the love and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and wish everyone on behalf of His Eminence a blessed Christmas and a prosperous and safe new year.
