Holy Diocese of Adelaide celebrates the Nativity of St John the Baptist at Port Augusta 2025
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Holy Diocese of Adelaide again celebrated the feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist (24th of June) with its annual pilgrimage to the regional city of Port Augusta.
As is customary, the Vespers was celebrated the evening before by a small group, led by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, who went to clean the Church and prepare it for the Feast.
The feast was celebrated on the day with a hierarchical Matins and Divine Liturgy, with Matins beginning at 8:30am. This slightly later start gave time for the busload of pilgrims to make the three-and-a-half-hour journey in the morning to arrive before the start of the Liturgy. Combined with local Port Augusta residents and some visitors from the neighbouring city of Port Pirie there was a strong turnout of people who braved the wet and blustery conditions to celebrate the birth of the Saint.
His Grace addressed the people, mentioning the importance of the Saint and, also, drawing attention to the events of Syria overnight that saw two-dozen new Martyrs enrolled in the synaxaria of the Saints. He gave glory to God for their witness and dedication and encouraged all to pray for peace in the Middle East and all over the world.
The service was followed by a fish luncheon prepared by the tireless ladies of the Central Philoptochos, which was all the more appreciated given the trying weather conditions in which it was prepared. After lunch, the pilgrims made their way back towards Adelaide, but not before stopping at the picturesque Bowman Park near the town of Crystal Brook for afternoon tea with coffee and sweets.
The pilgrimage was enjoyed by all, and we look forward to returning again in August for the feast of the Saint’s beheading. May the prayers of the Holy Forerunner be with us all.
