Adelaide: Feast of Saint Patapios and Event in support of the Mission to the Islands of Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa

With the blessing and canonical permission of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand officiated on Sunday, 8 December 2024, the feast of Saint Patapios, at the Holy Church of Saint Demetrios in Salisbury, South Australia assisted by Father Stavros Psaromatis and the parish priest Father Michael Psaromatis.

A multitude of faithful participated with the utmost reverence in both the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, with the simple and enlightening sermon of His Eminence, and in the splendid procession of the Holy Icon of Saint Patapios in the courtyard of the Holy Church.

Following this, a fundraising lunch in support of the mission to the Pacific Islands took place in the covered courtyard, behind the parish hall. Hundreds of faithful gathered around the bountiful table, which was lovingly prepared by the tireless members of the Philoptochos and the Parish Council, with the help of dozens of volunteers.

The blessed thought that with the collected funds they would provide a Christmas meal for people they had never met encouraged many siblings in Christ to willingly give, with enthusiasm and great love.

Both Metropolitan Myron and Father Michael spoke about the needs of the mission in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa and expressed their gratitude to all those who, with joy and love, came forward and generously offered, strengthening the mission and encouraging its active members to continue their virtuous struggle.

Amphilochios, a first-year student of St Andrew’s Theological College of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and a native of Fiji, also spoke about the mission. Amphilochios is a spiritual child of the founder of the mission to the Pacific Islands, Metropolitan Amfilochios Tsoukos, whose name he received upon baptism and who grew up in the Mission’s orphanage in Fiji.

The Orthodox mission in the Pacific Islands provides free meals, health care, medical aid, and education to poor children. It also operates an orphanage and supports impoverished families.

The amount raised from the event for the mission exceeded $91,000. Clearly moved, His Eminence Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand expressed his gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and to His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide.

The Metropolitan also thanked Fr. Michael Psaromatis, the parish of Saint Demetrios in Salisbury, and all the faithful Christians who offered with their hearts, wishing that the All-Benevolent God return their generosity manifold.