Palm Sunday celebrated by Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne at the Church of Sts Anargiri in Oakleigh

In a powerful display of faith and unity, the Greek Orthodox Church of Saints Anargiri in Oakleigh was filled beyond capacity on Palm Sunday as over 1,100 faithfuls gathered for the Matins and Divine Liturgy presided over by His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, alongside parish priest Rev. Fr. Stavros Kakavas.
So large was the turnout that many parishioners stood reverently outside the church, lining the footpaths and patiently participating in the service from the street, a moving testament to the deep devotion of the local Orthodox Christian community.
His Grace Bishop Kyriakos conveyed the paternal blessings and warm prayers of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to all in attendance, reaffirming the close spiritual bond and love he has for the Church in Oakleigh.

In his deeply moving sermon, His Grace reflected on the sacred meaning of Palm Sunday, urging the faithful to enter Holy Week with humility and renewed hope: “The Lord enters Jerusalem not as a king of this world, but as the King of peace, riding humbly on a donkey,” Bishop Kyriakos preached. “Let us also open the gates of our hearts to receive Him—not with palm branches alone, but with repentance, love, and faith that bears fruit.”
The spiritual atmosphere was greatly enhanced by the exceptional chanting of lead chanter Mr. Konstantinos Damaropoulos, whose heartfelt rendition of the hymns of the feast uplifted the congregation and added to the solemnity of the occasion.
Also in attendance were the School Leaders of Oakleigh Grammar, who stood proudly in their school uniforms with their families, symbolising the strong relationship between the Church and Oakleigh Grammar. The local Member of Parliament, Mr. Steve Dimopoulos, was present as well, marking the significance of the event to the broader electorate of Oakleigh.
Following the Liturgy, a Palm Sunday Luncheon was held in the School hall, offering an opportunity for fellowship and celebration. Parishioners and guests gathered to share a traditional meal in a joyful atmosphere, further strengthening the bonds of faith and community.
This year’s Palm Sunday celebration at Sts Anargiri stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring spirit of Orthodox Christianity in Oakleigh and the unifying power of faith, especially as the faithful now journey together through the solemn days of Holy Week.