The Feast of the Synaxis of St John the Baptist in Perth

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea officiated at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Synaxis of St John the Baptist at the Holy Monastery of St John in Perth on Friday the 7^th of January 2022.

During the sermon, His Grace gave a brief overview of the 12 (Holy) Days of Christmas explaining how this liturgical cycle commences with the Nativity of Christ and ends with the great feast of Epiphany. His Grace also reminded the faithful that St John the Baptist has a significant position in the Church and for this reason is celebrated multiple times throughout the year; the 7^th of January (Synaxis of St John), 24^th of February (1^st and 2^nd Finding of the Head of St John the Forerunner), 25^th of May (3^rd Discovery of the Head of St John), 24^th of June (Nativity), 29^th of August (Beheading), 23^rd of September (Conception of the Forerunner) as well as every Tuesday during the weekly cycle.

At the conclusion of the service, His Grace conveyed to all the blessing and love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and wished the Abbot of the Holy Monastery, Fr Prodromos, every blessing from above for his feast day. In addition, His Grace officially farewelled Deacon Athanasios Athanasiadis prior to departing for Brisbane.

Morning Tea followed in the monastery refectory.

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