Holy Diocese of Chora: The Third Lenten Vespers at the Church of Our Lady ‘Axion Esti’, Northcote

On Sunday, 16 March, at the Archdiocesan Church of Our Lady ‘Axion Esti’, in Northcote, Melbourne, in the Holy Diocese of Chora, the Third Lenten Vespers took place with due reverence and piety and was presided over by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora.

During the Vespers Service, His Grace conveyed the paternal blessings and warm wishes of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

In his homily, His Grace referred to the teaching of Saint Gregory Palamas, emphasising that true faith is not an external image, but an internal transformation. He pointed out the danger of superficial religiosity, calling on believers to cultivate humility, sincere prayer and true repentance, so as to become receptive to the divine light.

Addressing the youth in particular, he urged young people to live their faith with authenticity, consistency and inner truth, without being influenced by social trends or external pressures.

His Grace concluded his address with words of spiritual encouragement, calling on everyone to continue the journey of Lent with zeal, preparing for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, reminding that there is no Resurrection without Crucifixion, there is no light without asceticism, there is no grace without humility.