Vespers of Christmas and the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great in the Holy Diocese of Chora

On the morning of the eve of the Feast Day of the Nativity of Christ, 24 December 2024, the Great Vespers with the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great took place at the Church of Saint Paraskevi, in the Melbourne suburb of St. Albans. His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora presided over the Divine Liturgy, and conveyed to the faithful the paternal wishes and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

In his sermon, His Grace analysed the Gospel reading of the Nativity of the Lord, focusing on the angelic hymn: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” He emphasised that the Nativity of Christ conveys a message of hope, love, and reconciliation, calling on all to welcome Christ with faith and humility.

Bishop Evmenios urged the faithful to live out the feast of Christmas with gratitude and spiritual alertness, imitating the shepherds who, with awe and faith, rushed to the manger. He emphasised the importance of the Feast as an opportunity for renewal and transformation through the light and truth of Christ.