Melbourne: Third Lenten Vespers at the Church of Saint John the Forerunner and Baptist, Carlton

On Sunday evening, 16 March 2025, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne presided over the Diocesan Lenten Vespers at the Church of St. John the Forerunner and Baptist in Carlton, marking a significant spiritual event in the journey of Great Lent. The church was filled with a strong sense of reverence as the faithful gathered to participate in this special service, which is held to offer supplication and prayer for the faithful, seeking God’s mercy and grace as they continue their Lenten journey.

The service was attended by several clergymen, including Fr. Emmanuel Lykopandis the Parish Priest of the Church of St. John the Forerunner, Fr. Vasileos Kourtesis from the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Fr. Efstathios Papadopoulos from the Church of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple, Fr. Panagiotis Zoumboulis from the Church of the Archangels, Fr. Panteleimon Laskaris from the Church of Sts. Constantine and Helen, Fr. Kyprianos Nerouppos from the Church of St. Andrew, Fr. Anthony Vanikiotis from the Church of the Annunciation Our Lady, and Fr. Dimitrios Catrinei from the Church of the Dormition of Our Lady.

The evening’s service was marked by the profound beauty of the chanting. The apolytikion for St. Alexios the Man of God and St. Patrick of Ireland was particularly moving, adding a deep sense of connection to the saints whose feast days were being commemorated. The choir’s chanting elevated the spiritual atmosphere of the Vespers, allowing the congregation to be fully immersed in the prayers and hymns of the service.

The Lenten Vespers, a distinctive feature in the Orthodox Church during Great Lent, is a special type of Vespers that focuses on offering intense supplication for the mercy of God. It involves prayers that invoke God’s grace and deliverance, helping the faithful reflect on their spiritual state and renewal. The service is especially focused on deep repentance, the contemplation of Christ’s sacrifice, and preparation for the Paschal celebration.

In his sermon, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos spoke poignantly about the Crucifixion of Christ, focusing on how it relates to the faithful’s journey during Great Lent. Reflecting on the significance of this season as we enter the third week of Lent, His Grace reminded the congregation, “The Cross of Christ is not merely a historical event but a powerful symbol that shapes our spiritual lives. As we draw nearer to Pascha, we must walk with Christ in His suffering, bearing our own crosses with humility and perseverance. It is through the Cross that we come to know the power of resurrection and the promise of eternal life.”

His Grace also emphasised the importance of this stage in Lent, urging the faithful to continue in prayer, fasting, and repentance, to purify their hearts and minds, and to prepare for the coming joy of Pascha. He invited everyone to reflect deeply on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice and how that same love calls us to serve one another in humility.

Before concluding the service, His Grace conveyed the heartfelt blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. “His Eminence,” Bishop Kyriakos shared, “joins me in sending his prayers and blessings to you all as we journey together through this holy season of Lent.”

The evening concluded with a sense of peace and renewed spiritual purpose, as the faithful left the church, strengthened by the prayers, the liturgy, and the words of Bishop Kyriakos. The service was a reminder that as the faithful continue through Great Lent, they are called to reflect on the Cross, to renew their faith, and to anticipate with joy the ultimate triumph of the Resurrection of Christ.