Perth: The Akathist Hymn recited at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea Presided at the Akathist Hymn to the Holy Theotokos on Friday the 31st of March at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene is Northbridge.

At the conclusion of the service His Grace mentioned how on the Fifth Friday of Great and Holy Lent the faithful offer two gifts to the Mother of God; the first gift being the Canon of the Akathist composed by Saint Joseph the Hymnographer.

The second gift are the Salutations recited in front of the icon of the Theotokos consisting of 24 Stanzas, which are one of the profound hymnological masterpieces of the Church arranged in such an artistic manner following the Greek alphabet and composed by St. Romanos the Melodist.

His Grace emphasised that, “The offering of these two gifts show the great love and honour that the Orthodox have towards the Queen of Heaven.”

Following the Service of the Akathist, His Grace Bishop Elpidios then officiated at the All Night Vigil service  that took place at the Holy Chapel of St Paisios the Athonite on the grounds of the Holy Monastery of St John in honour of the Holy Theotokos.

More photos: