His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne engages with Year 11 and 12 Students at Oakleigh Grammar’s Faith and Wisdom Hour

His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne visited Oakleigh Grammar to attend the Year 11 and Year 12 Faith and Wisdom Hour, where he engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on Orthodox spirituality with the school’s Year 11 and 12 students. The event, which focused on developing a personal connection with God and deepening one’s faith, provided a rare and valuable opportunity for the students to converse with His Grace and several clergy members from across the Melbourne Orthodox community.

The lively discussion allowed students to ask questions on a range of topics, including the role of prayer in everyday life, the importance of fasting and almsgiving, and how to navigate modern challenges while maintaining a steadfast relationship with Christ. Bishop Kyriakos, with his characteristic warmth and wisdom, shared insightful responses on how one can build a personal and intimate connection with God. He emphasised the power of silence in prayer, the necessity of humility in our daily actions, and the profound impact of the Sacraments in our spiritual lives.

In addition to His Grace, several priests from across the Melbourne area were present, including Fr. Panteleimon Laskaris from the Church of Sts. Constantine and Helena in South Yarra, Fr. Panagiotis Zoumboulis from the Church of the Archangels in Mentone, School Chaplain Fr. Stavros Kakavas from Sts. Anargiri in Oakleigh, Fr. George Adamakis from the Church of St. Catherine in Malvern, and Fr. Jean Mawal from the Church of St. Paul in Dandenong, representing the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia. Their presence further enriched the discussion, providing additional perspectives on spiritual growth and pastoral care.

Mr. Konstantinos Damatopoulos, the Orthodox Christian Studies Co-ordinator for Oakleigh Grammar, played a pivotal role in organizing this event, ensuring that students were given an opportunity to engage with the church leaders and grow in their understanding of Orthodox Christianity.

During the Faith and Wisdom Hour, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos conveyed the paternal blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to the students and staff. On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, His Grace presented a special gift to each participant: an icon, a Centennial pencil from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia featuring a quote from His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, and a pamphlet on the importance of almsgiving by St. John Chrysostom. These thoughtful gifts served as tangible reminders of the day’s teachings, encouraging students to carry the lessons of faith, love, and charity with them beyond the walls of Oakleigh Grammar.

Following the Faith and Wisdom Hour, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos, accompanied by the clergy, visited the Junior School, where they spent time with students from Grade 3 and Grade 4. The younger students eagerly listened as His Grace spoke to them about God’s love, the importance of kindness, and living out the Christian virtues of patience and humility. The clergy joined in, offering reflections on how the children could nurture their relationship with Christ, help others, and lead virtuous lives. The children’s excitement was evident as they shared their artwork, sang hymns, and asked questions about the Orthodox faith. His Grace took time to listen to each child and offered words of encouragement and blessings.

As His Grace Bishop Kyriakos concluded his visit, he expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and the opportunity to share the teachings of the Church with the future leaders of the community. His paternal words of encouragement resonated deeply with the students, as they reflected on the importance of remaining steadfast in their faith and developing a personal, transformative relationship with God.

The Faith and Wisdom Hour, a unique event within Oakleigh Grammar’s educational calendar, exemplifies the school’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth alongside academic achievement. Through this initiative, students are offered a deepened understanding of Orthodox Christian principles and the opportunity to nurture their relationship with Christ, guided by the wisdom and counsel of the clergy.
As the school year progresses, Oakleigh Grammar’s Orthodox Christian Studies program, under the direction of Mr. Damatopoulos, continues to serve as an invaluable resource for students seeking to integrate their faith into their everyday lives. With the support of the Diocese of Melbourne of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, the school remains dedicated to cultivating an environment where faith and wisdom thrive, leading young hearts closer to God.