Holy Diocese of Chora: Feast Day of Our Lady “Axion Estin” and the Patronal Feast Day of the Ecumenical Patriarch
The feast day of the Archdiocesan Church of Our Lady “Axion Esti”, in the Holy Diocese of Chora, and the memory of the Holy Apostle Bartholomew, whose name is borne by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, were celebrated with due splendour this year.
On the evening of Tuesday, 10 June, the Great Hierarchical Vespers was celebrated with ecclesiastical grandeur, officiated by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, with the participation of priests of the Holy Diocese. The President of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Mr. Bill Papastergiadis, attended the Vespers Service also.
His Eminence conveyed the wishes and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and addressed a homily of reverence to the Most Holy Theotokos, referring to the miracle of the icon “Axion Estin” and to the timeless protection and presence of the Virgin Mary in the lives of the faithful. His Grace then made special mention of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, praising his humble and persistent ministry, his spiritual wisdom and his guiding presence in the Orthodox World. He spoke with emotion about the Patriarch’s timeless witness, his ability to bridge the past with the present, to give voice to the Church through silence, and to steer the helm of Orthodoxy with discernment, vision and prayer.
On Wednesday, 11 June, the day of the feast, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated, presided over by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, who was joined in participation by the clergy of the Diocese. Among the dignitaries who attended were the Consul-General of Greece in Melbourne, Ms. Dimitra Georgantzouglou, the Archon of the Great Church of Christ Mr. Tony Tsourdalakis, as well as students and the Principal of St John’s College, Mr. Andrew Ponsford, who came with respect and honour to the Virgin Mary and the Ecumenical Patriarch.
His Grace, addressing the Consul-General, emphasised that in her person the Greek Diaspora recognises the affection and care of the Motherland. He expressed gratitude to her for her multifaceted support for Hellenism in Australia. He even emphasised that the preservation of the Greek language, the Orthodox faith and our cultural identity is a top priority for His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who works tirelessly to pass on the sacred and sacred values of our nation to future generations, within the multicultural environment of Australia.
During the Divine Liturgy, His Grace referred to the Virgin Mary as the living model of obedience, humility and maternal love, who surrounds each of us with her affection.
Special mention was made of the Holy Apostle Bartholomew and his honourable relationship with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch. His Grace praised the spiritual stability and pastoral endurance of His All-Holiness, emphasising that he represents an institution of spiritual continuity and stability for global Orthodoxy. He referred to his enlightened word, the dialogue he promotes with courage and discernment, and his ability to speak to the heart of human person– not with authority, but with truth, gentleness and authenticity.
