Feast Day celebrations of the Ukrainian Parish of St Basil the Great & St George in Islington-Newcastle

On 14 January 2025, (1st January according to the Julian Calendar), the Ukrainian Parish of St Basil the Great & St George in Islington, Newcastle, marked their annual feast day with a festive Divine Liturgy.

The service, which was conducted in Ukrainian, English, and Greek, was presided over by Father Savas Pizanias from Sydney, with the blessing and direction of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

The church was filled with parishioners and guests who gathered to celebrate this significant occasion. Before the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the traditional Ukrainian procession took place. Ukrainian Parishioners, led by Fr Savas, carried the icon of St Basil outside, where the Epiphany Holy Water blessing was sprinkled around the church and its surroundings, sanctifying the area.

In his address, Father Savas conveyed the warmest well wishes and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to the President, Church Committee, and all those in attendance. He also extended special greetings to the Ukrainian community, wishing them a blessed New Year.

Following the service, the Church Committee hosted light refreshments and sweets in the Parish Hall, providing a warm and welcoming space for fellowship. Some of the visitors from Sydney took the opportunity to explore the picturesque coastal city of Newcastle, enjoying the sunny summer day.

The celebration was a memorable and blessed occasion, not only for the Parish of St Basil the Great & St George, but also for all those who attended, reinforcing the spirit of unity and faith within the community.