| The Parish of Saint Elias in Adelaide was greatly blessed to welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios for a pastoral visit from 17 to 19 July. Over the course of the weekend, His Eminence met with clergy and parishioners, celebrated the liturgical services for the Feast of Saint Elias, and encouraged the faithful through fellowship, discussion, and his pastoral guidance.
On Friday, it was a beautiful gathering with the St Elias Youth group when His Eminence answered on many of their questions regarding the Orthodox Faith and living orthodoxy in our daily life. On Saturday, His Eminence commenced his visit with a fraternal meeting with His Grace Bishop Silouan of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. This warm and respectful gathering reflected the spirit of Christian unity and mutual support shared between the Orthodox Churches. After that, His Eminence met with the Parish Council, where members provided an overview of the many initiatives currently taking place within the parish and outlined their vision and plans for the future. Particular attention was given to the proposed hall extension, the continued growth of the Sunday School, the vibrant work of the youth, and the ongoing contribution of the Ladies Society. His Eminence commended the dedication of Abuna Georges and the faithful, encouraging them to continue building a strong and active parish community. In the evening, the faithful gathered for the Hierarchal Great Vespers and the Blessing of the Five Loaves Service in preparation for the Feast of the Holy Prophet Elias. Following the service, His Eminence spent time with the youths of St. Elias in an engaging Q&A session held in the church. The evening concluded with a fellowship dinner in the parish hall, providing parishioners with the opportunity to spend time with His Eminence in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. On Sunday, the celebrations continued with Matins and the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Holy Prophet Elias, our Patron Saint. The church was filled with faithful who gathered to give thanks and celebrate this important feast day. A particularly joyous moment during the Divine Liturgy was the presentation of the pectoral cross to V. Rev. Fr Nicholas for his 45 years of priesthood and 25 years in serving the Antiochian Archdiocese in Australia. As His Eminence bestowed this honour upon him, the congregation proclaimed the traditional acclamation, “Axios!” (“He is worthy!”), marking this significant milestone in Abuna Nicholas’ priestly ministry. As a gift of thanks for his visit, Abuna Georges and the St Elias Parish Council presented His Eminence with the icon of St. Paisios the protector of Australia. Following the Divine Liturgy, the parish gathered for a festive luncheon in the parish hall, where His Eminence first visited the Sunday school children and continued to meet with parishioners and share in the joy of the feast. Later that day, His Eminence departed Adelaide, concluding a visit that was both spiritually uplifting and pastorally enriching for the parish community. Abuna Georges and the faithful of Saint Elias Parish express their heartfelt gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios for his fatherly love, guidance, and encouragement throughout his visit. His presence strengthened the parish family and inspired all to continue serving Christ and His Church with faith, unity, and dedication. We also extend our sincere thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organise the visit and ensure its success. May God grant His Eminence many blessed years as he continues his faithful ministry to the Church. |
