Holy Diocese of Brisbane: Name day celebrations of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane officiated at the Matins service and celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the feast day of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle at the Parish of the Dormition of Our Lady, Mt Gravatt.
In his sermon, His Grace spoke about the person of Saint Bartholomew, who spread the Light of the Gospel, establishing early Christian communities with humility and commitment to the mission of the Church.
Bishop Bartholomew continued his sermon by stating that His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has continued the work of his patron Saint, committing himself and the Church to the values of love, peace and reconciliation among all people.
Furthermore, His Grace spoke about our beloved Patriarch’s commitment to ecumenical dialogue. That for Patriarch Bartholomew, we must return to the teachings of Christ. Christ loved and respected all, Christ did not discriminate against anymore. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has emphasised the importance of unity in diversity. That we must foster dialogue between all religions and traditions.
Bishop Bartholomew then spoke about the Ecumenical Patriarchs contribution to world Orthodoxy. The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church planned and convened under the esteemed leadership of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Crete, Greece in 2016. A Council that called all to unity, that dealt with present concerns in the Christian World.
Moreover, throughout the Ecumenical Patriarch’s tenure, as the longest serving Ecumenical Patriarch in the history of the Church of Constantinople, we have seen a restoration of all orthodox churches in modern day Turkey. A testament to the faith and love of our Patriarch.
The Bishop of Brisbane then continued by asking the flock to pray for the Ecumenical Patriarch, that on each occasion they attend worship and light a candle, a candle should be lit for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
As it was also the patronal feast day of His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, His Grace thanked the clergy and laity for attending the service and more importantly thanked them for their love and respect towards him.
Moreover, His Grace asked them to pray for our beloved Archbishop Makarios, to pray for him and to pray for our good priests.
At the conclusion of the service, Parish Priest of the Dormition of Our Lady, Mt Gravatt, Father Nicholas Brown wished His Grace many years , thanking him for his service towards the local Church and the love he has shown towards all. Father Nicholas then presented a gift on behalf of the youth of Queensland.
Following this, Mrs Irene Cayas spoke on the person of Bishop Bartholomew and on behalf of the Seniors group of the Parish, presented the Bishop with a gift.
Immediately following the service, a luncheon was held in honour of Bishop Bartholomew. Vice President of the Philoptochos, Mrs Maria Birbilis presented a gift to His Grace on behalf of the Philoptochos with the prayer that God grants him many years.
Bishop Bartholomew thanked everyone for their kind words and generous gifts and stated that although the gifts are beautiful and much appreciated, we need to focus on unity and love.
His Grace then conveyed the love and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and reminded everyone that Brisbane will be honoured by having His Eminence visit us on the occasion of the consecration of the Church of Saint Paraskevi, in Taigum.
