On the weekend of the Sunday of Orthodoxy- the first Sunday of Great Lent- His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios travelled to Melbourne to visit the local flock.
Ordination to Priesthood
On Saturday, March 20th, the faithful gathered at St George Cathedral, Thornbury, praying for Deacon Nicholas Fraser, and rejoicing at his elevation to the rank of the Holy Priesthood.
Elevation to Archpriest
Father Nicholas serves at the Good Shepherd Mission alongside Fr. Geoff Harvey, who was also given the blessing for his tireless service and effort of over 20 years in ordained ministry, being elevated to the rank of Protopresbyter.
The gathered congregations chanted joyfully, “worthy” to Fr. Geoff and Fr. Nicholas on their elevations. May God strengthen them always and grant them the length of days, serving in the vineyard of the Lord.
Sunday of Orthodoxy celebrations
On Sunday morning, His Eminence served the Divine Liturgy at St Nicholas, East Melbourne- which happens to be the oldest parish in Victoria.
Later, in the evening, His Eminence presided over the Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers. The Clergy and faithful of Melbourne gathered in procession, holding icons, to celebrate the triumph of Orthodoxy.
All this was followed by a meal of agape where then the youth in attendance had the opportunity to meet with their Chief Shepherd, listen to his counsel, and to answer questions.
All in all, it was a truly blessed weekend.
Many years to our Master and chief shepherd Basilios.
