Honouring the Patronal Feast Day of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the Holy Diocese of Perth
On Wednesday, 11 June, the local Orthodox faithful gathered at the Church of Saint Nektarios in the Holy Diocese of Perth to mark a sacred and joyous occasion — the feast day of the Holy Apostle Bartholomew and the patronal feast of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.
The Divine Liturgy was officiated by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth and was attended by local clergy, including the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of St John, Fr Makarios Souris. The service was a profound expression of love and gratitude for the life and mission of the Ecumenical Patriarch, who this year celebrates the 34th anniversary of His enthronement — making Him the longest-serving Patriarch in the history of the Ecumenical Throne of Constantinople.
In his sermon, Bishop Elpidios reflected deeply on the remarkable legacy of His All-Holiness, saying:
“This year, we give thanks to God as we mark the 34th anniversary of His All-Holiness’s enthronement as Ecumenical Patriarch. He is now the longest-serving Patriarch in the history of Constantinople.”
His Grace also highlighted the far-reaching impact of the Patriarch’s ministry over the past three decades. “His All-Holiness has: Journeyed across the globe to minister to the faithful, Promoted dialogue and peaceful coexistence among peoples and faiths, Defended the rights of Christian minorities around the world, Advocated for the reopening of the historic Theological School of Halki, and Preserved and proclaimed the sacred traditions of our Orthodox Faith in a secularised world.”
Drawing a powerful parallel between the Apostle Bartholomew and theEcumenical Patriarch, Bishop Elpidios stated: “Although separated by two millennia, the Apostle Bartholomew and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew are united — not only in name but in mission. One gave the Gospel to the world and sealed it with his blood. The other preserves and lives this Gospel with wisdom, courage, and grace. Yet both are lamps burning brightly, cities set upon a hill, and servants of the Lord Most High.”
At the conclusion of the service, Bishop Elpidios conveyed the paternal blessings and love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to all in attendance. The congregation then joined together to chant the Fimi — the official anthem of the Ecumenical Patriarch — three times, in honour of His All-Holiness.
The celebration continued with morning tea in the Perth Archdiocese Conference Centre, where faithful and clergy gathered in fellowship, giving thanks to God for the life and leadership of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
