The Pastoral Health Care Network Australia in the Diocese of Perth 

The Pastoral Health Care Network Australia (PHCNA), which is an arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, started its new calendar year with the Sacrament of Holy Unction in the Diocese of Perth. 

The service was held at the Church of St Nektarios on Saturday, 22 March 2025 and was presided over by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth. 

At the conclusion of the service, His Grace thanked everyone for attending and conveyed the paternal blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. 

This was then followed by a talk in the Conference Room adjacent to the church and was delivered by Professor Samar Aoun. The topic was “Growing compassion in life and death; it is everyone’s responsibility”.

Amongst many other points raised during the talk, Professor Aoun stated, “Many of our oldest and most frail communities are facing death in a perceived state of isolation, anxiety and depression and this demands a community response. We need to find solutions to the loneliness epidemic that is affecting all age groups”.

At the conclusion of the evening people were given the opportunity to ask questions relating to the topic.