His Eminence, Metropolitan Basilios, Pastoral visit to Melbourne- June 8th, 2019
Our Chief Shepherd Metropolitan Basilios travelled to Melbourne this weekend where the Members of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees from different states gathered at the St. George Cathedral in Thornbury to discuss important matters pertaining to the Archdiocese.
His Eminence visited and blessed the New Established Antiochian Orthodox Stewards of St. George Cathedral-Victoria (AOS) while they were practising on the musical instruments and He met with the Teachers and Trainers.
On Saturday evening the first Victorian Archdiocese Dinner was held in honour of His Eminence at the St George Function Centre, Clergy and Parishioners from all our Churches in Victoria have gathered to express their love and respect to our Metropolitan. There were presented at the dinner: His Excellency Dr Ziad Itani, Consul General of Lebanon in Victoria, The Honorable Ged Kearney MP Member of the Australian House of Representatives and the Honorable Nazih El Aassmar MLC in Victorian Parliament.
The Dinner was highlighted by an ever-memorable performance by the St. Ephraim Choir of St. Paul’s Church, led by Kh. Rita Mawal. At the conclusion of the evening, Sayedna was presented with a beautiful Symbolic Gift (Engolpion) from the parishes of Victoria.
On Sunday morning His Eminence presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral with beloved Clergy, Members of Board of Trustees and Parishioners. In His Sermon about the Holy Fathers of First Ecumenical Synod and Orthodox, Sayedna emphasised the importance of being faithful to the Orthodox Faith – the genuine faith received from the Holy Fathers and the great responsibility we have ensuring it is passed onto the next generation.
The day went from height to greater heights with a spectacular joint concert titled “Arise O God” by the David the Psalmist Greek Orthodox Choir and our very own St. Romanos the Melodist Choir, led by the Rev. Fr. Jack Lutfi. His Eminence was accompanied at the event, by two bishops of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, His Grace Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis and His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis. The two choirs have elevated the souls of all faithful into heave through the Divine Words and Hymns, after the concert, all Faithful accompanied the Clergy to a meal of Agape at the church’s hall of St. George Cathedral.
On the conclusion of His visit, Sayedna met with the Parish Council and Newly Appointed Priest, Rev. Fr. John Dalton, of the new St. Ignatius Church, providing instruction and ensuring his ever-present support.
His Eminence thanks the Victorian Clergy, Members of Board of Trustees and Community for all their love and support.
