The Diocese of Perth Celebrates Greek Independence Day 

The Diocese of Perth celebrated Greek Independence Day simultaneously with the veneration of the Holy Cross at the Church of St Nektarios in Dianella on Sunday, 23 March 2025, which also marked the midpoint of Great and Holy Lent. 

The celebrations commenced with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy officiated by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth. This was then followed by a procession of the Holy Cross and the official Doxology Service for Greece’s National Independence Day. 

Those in attendance included the Greek Consul in Perth, Mrs Eleni Georgopoulou, Principal and students of St Andrew’s Grammar Day School, students and staff from the Greek Language and Culture Institute of Evangelismos, the President of the Helenic Community of WA, Mr Paul Afkos, and other representatives from various Greek Associations and Brotherhoods within Perth. 

His Grace Bishop Elpidios welcomed everyone on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and conveyed to all His Eminence’s paternal blessings and love.

Amongst many other points raised during his sermon, His Grace stated: “We cannot speak about the Greek War of Independence without making mention of the pivotal role played by the Church in the 1821 Struggle. Leading up to the Revolution, 10 Patriarchs of Constantinople, 100 Hierarchs and 6000 Priests, Deacons and Monks all shed their blood for the Faith of Christ and the liberation of the Greek Nation. The ‘Rasso’ was always at the forefront during the struggles for Freedom”. 

A Trisagion Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony also took place on the same day at the War Memorial Cenotaph in Kings Park where the Fallen of 1821 were honoured.