Holodomor Memorial Service at the Church of Saint Savvas of Kalymnos in Banksia, Sydney

On Sunday, 24 November 2024, in an atmosphere of deep emotion, the annual Memorial Service for the repose of the victims of the Holodomor, the Ukrainian Genocide of 1932-1933, an artificial famine imposed by the Soviet regime which led to the death of seven million people, was held at the Church of Saint Savvas the new of Kalymnos, in the Sydney suburb of Banksia.

His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis who presided over the Memorial Service, officiated at the Matins Service and presided over the Divine Liturgy. Bishop Iakovos represented His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and conveyed to the members of the Parish and likewise to the representatives of the Ukrainian Free Kozaks of Australia, a heartfelt message of support from the Archbishop, who, together with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, unwaveringly and emphatically supports the Ukrainian people against the unjust attacks which they are facing.

The Parish Priest, Father Savas Pizanias thanked Bishop Iakovos on behalf of the Parish and in particular on behalf of the Ukrainian parishioners, while asking him to convey their love and wishes to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

After the Divine Liturgy, a luncheon was hosted by the Parish of Saint Savvas, where representatives of the Executive Committee of the Ukrainian Free Kozaks of Australia were also present. The participants at the luncheon had the opportunity to discuss and share thoughts on the anniversary of the Ukrainian Genocide, as well as on the ongoing war and the current situation in Ukraine.