Perth: End of Year Sunday School Performance at Sts Constantine and Helene
On Sunday the 4th of December, the Feast of St Barbara the Great Martyr, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea Officiated over the Matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene in Perth WA.
In his sermon, His Grace explored the way in which all aspects of creation and all humanity make an offering to the newly born Christ at the Feast of the Nativity. Exemplifying this point, His Grace explained a particular important aspect regarding the depiction in the icon of the Nativity of the Three Wise Men. One of the Wise Men is shown with no beard, which represents all the youth and young children of the human race. Another Wise Man is shown with a black/brown beard, representing all the adults of the human race. The final Wise Man is shown with a white beard, representing all of the elderly people. This simple iconographic portrayal illustrates the way in which all humanity makes an offering of praise to the newly born Saviour of the world. Continuing, His Grace stated how this Christmas we are all asked to make an offering of our sins to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, so that our souls might be purified and sanctified; for this is the reason that Christ came to earth.
Following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Sunday School of the Parish of Sts Constantine and Helene held their end of year Christmas concert in the community hall next door to the church in the presence of His Grace Bishop Elpidios. To celebrate the occasion, the Parish hosted a free Christmas morning tea with Lenten food.
The children performed a play of the Annunciation and Nativity story and also sang Christmas Songs. His Grace Bishop Elpidios thanked all the children and Sunday School teachers for a wonderful performance and conveyed to all the paternal blessings and love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. The children each received from His Grace a card from His Eminence and a small gift, thanking them for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
On behalf of the Parish, the children presented His Grace with a Christmas hamper that included an icon of Jesus Christ.
More photos:
