Perth: Festal Celebrations for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
On Sunday the 18th of September, the Sunday after the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Holy Cross, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea Officiated the Matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene.
In his sermon, His Grace reflected on much of the theological meaning and importance of the Cross. In particular, he emphasised the tradition of giving out flowers on the feast day which symbolises the life-giving power of the Holy Cross.
The Sunday after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross always marks a special celebration for the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene with a celebratory Luncheon in the Church Hall.
This year the Luncheon was held in the presence of His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea as well as the Consul of Greece in Perth, Mrs Georgia Karasiotou, Vice Consul for Maritime Affairs, Mr Nikolaos Papakonstantinou, as well as their families and other distinguished guests.
During the luncheon, Parish Priest, Fr Terry Gerovasilis, thanked His Grace and the other dignitaries for being present. Additionally, Fr Terry recognised the contributions of some of the parishioners to the life of the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene. Those who were thanked and recognised came forward and received a special coin from His Grace which was minted by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia to mark the 200th anniversary of the 1821 Greek War of Independence. On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, His Grace thanked all the volunteers and urged them to continue their outstanding efforts in the Church.
At the conclusion of the Luncheon, His Grace conveyed the paternal blessings and love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and with much enthusiasm all joined together in chanting the anthem of His Eminence.
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