Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne at the Patronal Feast Day of the Holy Monastery of Saint George, Yellow Rock
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne visited the Holy Monastery of St George in Yellow Rock, NSW, to preside over Matins and the Divine Liturgy for the Monastery’s Patronal Feast Day on Tuesday, April 23rd. This marked a deeply significant and emotional occasion, as it was Bishop Kyriakos’s first return to the Monastery in three years—his first since being elevated to the episcopacy. His Grace Bishop Kyriakos humbly served as Abbot of the Holy Monastery of St George for twenty-three years, guiding its spiritual and monastic life with steadfast dedication. Through his visionary leadership and tireless efforts, the Monastery was established, and the Church, along with the surrounding buildings that continue to serve the faithful today, was prayerfully brought to completion.
The celebration was deeply prayerful, marked by reverent liturgical solemnity and the heartfelt presence of the faithful, many of whom travelled great distances to participate in the sacred feast. The service commenced in the early hours of the morning with the Paschal Matins, followed by the Divine Liturgy. The devoted chanters, filled the Katholikon with hymns that lifted the hearts of all present, creating a spiritual atmosphere resonant with the joy and sanctity of the day.
The current Abbot of the Monastery, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Ieronymos Voultsidis, received Bishop Kyriakos with heartfelt hospitality, reflecting the brotherly spirit and continuity of monastic leadership. His warm welcome and gracious hosting of clergy and laity alike were a reflection of the spiritual maturity and generosity that continues to thrive within the Monastery.
In his sermon, Bishop Kyriakos conveyed the paternal blessings and abiding love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Reflecting on the life and martyrdom of Saint George the Great-Martyr, His Grace offered the following words:
“Saint George teaches us that courage in Christ is not the absence of fear but the triumph of love over fear. He did not fight with the sword of man, but with the shield of faith and the spear of divine truth. He shows us that the path to victory is the path of the Cross. If we live with faith as he did, no lion’s den nor fiery trial can overcome us, for Christ is risen, and in Him we are victorious.”
Following the Liturgy, a festal meal was lovingly prepared by the Monastery’s brotherhood and dedicated volunteers. This agape meal was shared by clergy, monastics, and laity alike, fostering a spirit of unity and thanksgiving. The day concluded with a deep sense of spiritual renewal and joy, as those present left strengthened in faith and heartened by the presence of their beloved Bishop Kyriakos.
