On Friday the 11th of June, His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios presided over a solemn service commemorating St. Luke the Confessor and Surgeon, Archbishop of Simferopol. Clergy and laity came from different parishes across Sydney to honour the contemporary Saint who reposed in the year 1961.
During the service of small compline, the faithful prayed the Akathist Hymn to St. Luke in English, with the additional blessing of his relics being made available for veneration. Afterwards, His Eminence gave a small talk on the Saint’s life, highlighting the holy, unmercenary spirit which he possessed. In particular, Metropolitan Basilios noted St. Luke’s steadfast faith and dedication to Orthodoxy in the face of severe persecution. Finally, His Eminence encouraged the faithful to continue to honour St. Luke by regularly attending services dedicated to him and by emulating his love of God and fellow man.
May we all have the intercessions of St. Luke of Simferopol. A blessed feast to all!
