| ‘A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised’ says the Proverb, and with songs of praise, the second Antiochian Women’s Conference was held under the patronage of His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios, on the 12th of September 2026, at St George’s Cathedral, Victoria. A gathering of like-minded women from Melbourne and Sydney converged around the theme of “Called to Serve, Chosen to Lead.” His Eminence, in his opening, summarised Christian leadership, encouraging women to lead “not by standing above others, but beside them.” Leadership is not about position or title, but humility in action strengthened by Christ. His Eminence inspired us to ask ourselves, “how can I help, through small acts of love which please God.”
In the first talk of the conference, Kh. Rita Mawal motivated us to emulate the Christian leadership of the Theotokos through faith, humility, obeying God, and trusting Him for our strength. As women and leaders, this is how we serve the Church: like the Theotokos, ‘the silent servant,’ caring and praying for others, and responding with love to God’s call to service. Following this, Emeline Issa deeply moved us with her personal testimony of great challenges, but finding resilience in trusting God’s love. She gave practical advice to stay faithful during suffering by asking for help when we need it, and remembering that God is with us, especially when we feel helpless. Before lunch, Sonja Vignjevic (Settlement Services International) explained her work with refugee women, and the Antiochian Welfare Association (AWA) presented their inspiring work in Sydney. We finished the morning with a quiz by Kh. Mayssa Hanna, uniting us in humour and friendship. After lunch, Dr. Pauline Dib, psychologist and clinical educator, explained that Christian leadership begins with self-care, so that we can care for others. She advised us to do this through healthy eating, enjoying nature, talking out our worries with someone we trust, and thanking God for what we have. In the final talk, Kh. Matilda Mattar helped us reframe Christian service. She encouraged us to move from having an “empty barrel” (serving despite inner exhaustion) to having a “barrel” filled by Christ. Transformed, we overflow with God’s love, channelling our spiritual gifts for everyone’s salvation, through living the Church’s life of worship and prayer. The conference was also embellished with a video message of gratitude and encouragement from the Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Ben Carroll, and the presence of Kat Theophanous MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health. The conference ended with a reflection on Orthodox servant leadership, which our female saints demonstrate in evangelism, charity, or just being there for one another. The best example is the Theotokos, quietly contemplating God and praying for others. Leadership seeks neither thanks nor praise but asks God how we can empty ourselves for His glory, serving with humility and true joy. Special gratitude to the khourias of Victoria who organised the conference and, through their unity and service, emulated the theme: called to serve, chosen to lead. |
