The Holy Diocese of Chora: 1st Stanza of the Salutations to the Theotokos at the Parish of the Presentation of Our Lord, Coburg

With particular devotion and reverence, the First Stanza of the Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos took place on Friday, 7 March 2025, at the Parish of the Presentation of Our Lord in Coburg, and was officiated by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora.

His Grace conveyed the heartfelt paternal wishes and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

In his homily, Bishop Evmenios referred to the profound theological content of the Salutations, emphasising that the Church has placed the Virgin Mary at the centre of Holy and Great Lent, because she is the most perfect model of faith, obedience, and humility. “The Virgin Mary is the bridge that connects earth with heaven, the hope of the afflicted, the protection of Christians, and the living example of absolute devotion to God,” His Grace emphasised.

Furthermore, he pointed out that Holy and Great Lent is a period of spiritual renewal, where every believer is called to strengthen their relationship with God, following the example of the Virgin Mary, who through her obedience and purity became “the One full of Grace”