Holy Diocese of Adelaide celebrates Saints Constantine and Helen in Whyalla
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Holy Diocese of Adelaide celebrated the Feast of Saints Constantine and Helen at the regional city of Whyalla on 21st of May 2026 for the parish’s patronal feast. It was the first leg of a four-day trip visiting the communities of South Australia’s West Coast region.
The service in Whyalla was a milestone because it was the first time in many years that the city had been able to celebrate its patronal feast on its feast day – let alone a hierarchical celebration. It was the icing on the cake of recent efforts by the parish to secure its future by transferring custodianship of its Church to the Archdiocese, to preserve it for generations to come. Adding to the auspicious occasion was the fact that this year, in a rare occurrence, the feast happened to coincide with a great Feast of our Lord – the Ascension.
The celebrations began with Hierarchical Vespers on the eve of the Feast, Wednesday, 20 May 2023, presided by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide. This was immediately preceded by the Paschal Hours, closing out the liturgical season of Pascha before the commencement of the period of Ascension. His Grace was assisted by Fr Panagiotis Kouvoussis (St Nectarios, Croydon Park) and Fr Jeremy Krieg (Greek Welfare Centre/St Panteleimon, Glenelg). His Grace conveyed the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and spoke about the life of St Helen, the difficulties that she faced, and her love for God that allowed her to triumph over them.
The service was followed by a light supper, and this time the ladies of the Central Philoptochos (who as usual had come fully prepared to cook and serve everyone) were gifted a chance to receive the local hospitality offered by the ladies of the Parish Philoptochos of Whyalla, who invited them to sit down and enjoy the food.
The following morning, Thursday, 21 May 2026, the feast was celebrated with a hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the combined feasts of the Ascension of the Lord and Saints Constantine and Helen. His Grace and the two clergy were blessed to be joined by Fr Achillios Karamanidis, a retired priest who had made the two-hour journey from Port Pirie. His Grace spoke about the miracle of the Ascension as the final triumph of Christ, who as a human being went further than merely conquering death, but also raised our human nature up to the heavens. The service concluded with a procession.
A festal luncheon was held after the service, again hosted by the local ladies philoptochos. During the luncheon, a brief presentation was given by the two principal philanthropic arms of the Diocese, Fr Jeremy on behalf of the Greek Welfare Centre, and Mr Con Katsambis of St Basil’s Homes SA (who had also come to celebrate his name day), joining the philanthropic outreach of the Diocese with its spiritual outreach.
It was wonderful to see the response of the local people, who came out in support in spite of it being a weekday. We look forward to a return visit in the future.
To be continued…
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