The Feast Day of the Church of Saint Dimitrios, Moonee Ponds, in the Holy Diocese of Chora
With deep modesty and great reverence, the memory of Saint Dimitrios the Great Martyr and Myrrh-streamer was celebrated in the parish of Saint Dimitrios in the Holy Diocese of Chora, in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne.
On Friday afternoon, the eve of the feast day, the Great Vespers were held and presided over by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, with the participation of clergy from the Holy Diocese. His Grace conveyed to the faithful the wishes and love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, while during his sermon he referred to the life and sacrifice of Saint Dimitrios, emphasising the importance of his testimony to our faith. At the same time, he made special reference to the recent visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, emphasising that it was a great blessing for the local Church of the fifth continent.
On Saturday morning, the main day of the feast, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated and was followed by the procession of the holy relics of Saint Dimitrios around the Church, along with the participation of clergy and many faithful believers. During the Divine Liturgy, the Encyclical of the Holy Eparchial Synod was read, through which gratitude was expressed to all for the warm participation and support during the Patriarchal visit, which strengthened the feeling of unity and piety among the faithful.