Visit by His Grace Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar to Adelaide
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Holy Diocese of Adelaide hosted a special guest visitor on the 4th Sunday of Lent (30th of March 2025) – His Grace Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and South Madagascar.
His Grace served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Parish of St Nectarios, Croydon Park, alongside the rector, Father Panagiotis Kouvoussis. The Liturgy was followed by a fundraising luncheon for the works of the Diocese of Toliara, which local Archiepiscopal Vicar His Grace Bishop of Adelaide and several other priests from the Diocese of Adelaide attended. Bishop Prodromos screened a video showcasing the missionary works of his Diocese, which featured the construction of a school for over 500 children to study for free. It was a wonderful achievement in what is the remotest of areas in a country that is in itself quite remote and isolated. The only regret is that the school is not able to service all of the children who applied– but Bishop Prodromos is working on expansion plans to address this.
Bishop Prodromos extended his heartfelt thanks to our Archbishop, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, as well as to His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide. He also addressed the gathering, primarily to acknowledge and thank the people of Adelaide for their ongoing support of the mission in Madagascar, both monetary and manpower – a natural affinity that derives from the fact that the founder of the mission, the late Bishop Nektarios Kellis, was from Adelaide and served as parish priest of St Nectarios.
Later that evening, Bishop Prodromos also presided at the Lenten Vespers at the Parish of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene in Athelstone. He gave a brief homily based on the teachings of St John of the Ladder, highlighting the importance of the virtues of Love and Humility, and in particular noting that true love implies sacrifice – typified by our Lord’s own example. Bishop Silouan read a translation of the homily for the benefit of the many English speakers who were also in attendance.
After Vespers a donation tray was passed around and a light fasting supper was also provided by the industrious ladies of the parish Philoptochos. In all, between the luncheon and the Vespers and other donations, $32,000 was raised in support of the mission and its future work.
