The Feast Day of the Church of Saint Nicholas Yarraville, in the Holy Diocese of Chora
On Thursday and Friday, 5th and 6th of December 2024, the Church of Saint Nicholas in the Melbourne suburb of Yarraville, in the Holy Diocese of Chora, was filled with devout believers who came with reverence to honour St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the wonder-worker.
The Holy Services of the Feast Day were presided over by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, while priest from all over Victoria also participated. His Grace conveyed to everyone the paternal wishes, blessing and love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. At the same time, he joyfully announced the upcoming pastoral visit of Archbishop Makarios to Victoria, next week, referring to the Holy Services and events that have been planned.
During the Great Vespers on Thursday evening, His Grace focused on the life of Saint Nicholas, underlining his generosity, courage and unwavering faith. He pointed out that Saint Nicholas is a timeless role model for the modern human being, calling on everyone to imitate his love and sacrificial offering.
On Friday, during the Festal Divine Liturgy, Bishop Evmenios addressed the congregation and offered a homily based on the Gospel of the day, which referred to the Beatitudes. His Grace linked the teaching of Christ with the life of Saint Nicholas, emphasising that the Saint embodied the Beatitudes in practice. He pointed out that his meekness, almsgiving and thirst for justice were fruits of his deep relationship with God, and his life became a mirror of the Kingdom of Heaven.
