Launch of activities of the Pastoral Health Care Network in the Holy Diocese of Chora
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Sacrament of Holy Unction was celebrated in the Holy Diocese of Chora, by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, which marked the beginning of the activities of the Pastoral Health Care Network for the Diocese.
This initiative, developed under the auspices of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, aims to strengthen pastoral ministry in the health care sector, creating a framework for communication and collaboration between clergy, health professionals and all those who dedicate their lives to the care of the ailing. The Network seeks to approach the needs of the faithful holistically, offering not only spiritual support, but also guidance for their mental and physical health.
His Grace Bishop Evmenios, addressing the congregation, emphasised the importance of the harmonious coexistence of faith and science, underlining that the healing of the person is not one-dimensional.
“The Church teaches that the human being is an indivisible unity of body, soul and mind,” he stressed, adding: “We cannot ignore any of these dimensions. Prayer and the Sacraments of the Church are necessary for the healing of the soul, but equally important are the sciences of medicine, mental health care and the practical help offered by health professionals. God has called each of us to a unique mission: just as priests minister to spiritual work, so too doctors, nurses and psychologists are instruments of divine providence.”
His Grace pointed out that the Pastoral Health Care Network will function as a bridge of cooperation between the shepherds of the Church and specialists in healthcare. Through this initiative, clergy will have the opportunity to guide the faithful to the appropriate professionals when necessary, ensuring that each person receives the necessary care and support.
His Grace also conveyed the wishes of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and thanked him for the important initiative.
As part of the Network’s activities, webinars, conferences and special workshops will be held throughout the year, with the aim of continuous education and promoting cooperation between the Church and healthcare professionals. Through these initiatives, the Network will enable the exchange of views and experiences, creating a strong core of pastoral care in the healthcare sector.
A special blessing of the evening was the presence of the holy relics of Saint Luke, Archbishop of Simferopol and Crimea, the Doctor. Saint Luke, a shining pillar of Orthodoxy, combined his ministry as an Hierarch with his medical work, offering healing and hope through both prayer and medical science. His life is an inspiration to every minister of God and health, reminding us that true healing comes when science and faith come together.
