With great joy the Students, Teachers, and Board Members of Oakleigh Grammar School, gathered for the Annual Blessing of Waters at the commencement of the New Academic Year.

On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios the service was conducted by His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis, Archepiscopal Vicar of the District of Melbourne. His Grace was joined by the School Chaplain, Fr Stavros Kakavas, together with Father Christos Dimolianis, Father George Adamakis, Father Panagiotis Zoumboulis, Father Dimitrios Drougas, and parents of the school, Father Jean Mawal (Antiochian Church) and Father Aleksandar Savic (Serbian Church).

The students of the School Byzantine Choir chanted the service beautifully, whilst teachers, students and members of the School Board followed with deep reverence.

His Grace relayed the message of our Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia on the commencement of the academic year and reminded students and teachers of the importance of their calling, and to fulfil this calling with care and diligence.

Following the service His Grace Bishop Kyriakos and the reverend clergy had morning tea with the Principal, Mr. Mark Robertson, and members and of The Board.

There was fruitful discussion about education and its importance. Principal Mr. Mark Robertson conveyed his gratitude to all present and invited all clergy to be active members of the school community.