| With the blessing and presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios, the Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Mission-VIC joyfully celebrated the Feast of the Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.
His Eminence presided over the Divine Liturgy, assisted by the Very Rev. Father Nektarios, parish priest the Very Rev. Father Stephanos, and Deacon Elian. The community was honoured by the presence of dignitaries Mr Iwan Walter MP and Mr Evan Mulholland MP, who joined the faithful in celebrating this significant feast day. His Eminence thanked them warmly for attending and for their continued support of the Antiochian Orthodox community. Following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence offered his paternal blessing and heartfelt congratulations to the faithful on the patronal feast day of their church. He encouraged the parishioners to remain steadfast in their faith, to stay committed to the life of the Church, and to continue supporting their parish as they work together to build and establish the new Church of the Holy Cross. In his sermon, His Eminence reflected on the profound meaning of the Holy Cross and its central place in the life and faith of the Orthodox Church. He reminded the faithful that the Sign of the Cross is itself a confession of our Orthodox faith, proclaiming our belief in the Holy Trinity and in the mystery of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who took flesh from the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos. The celebration was further enriched by the participation of the Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Stewards, whose presence added great joy to the occasion. His Eminence also took time to view the beautiful artwork prepared by the Sunday School children, whose drawings captured the meaning and significance of the Feast of the Holy Cross. The celebration concluded with a fellowship meal, blessed by His Eminence and lovingly organised by the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Women’s Committee, with generous support and contributions from the entire community. |
