The Greek Welfare Centre of South Australia is blessed to have as its patron a great saint of our Church – the Holy Martyr Philothei of Athens. Her story is truly inspirational and a significant role model for an organisation involved in the service of those in need. Her feast day falls on the 19th of February every year and is typically celebrated by the Centre at one of the local parishes on or around this date. This year, the 19th of February fell on the Sunday of Meat Fare – a day that is customarily celebrated by parishes in the lead up to Great Lent.
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Centre celebrated the Blessing of Loaves (artoklasia) in honour of its Patron during the Sunday Divine Liturgy. The service was conducted by the local Archepiscopal Vicar, His Grace Bishop Silouan of Sinope – assisted by Fr Haralambos Koutandos (educational attaché from Greece), rector Fr Jeremy Krieg and Deacon John Saredakis.
The Centre was also blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate its feast for the first time at the new Archiepiscopal Parish of St Sophia. Fr Jeremy is also the CEO of the Greek Welfare Centre, and he felt it a special blessing for him to be able to serve in both of these capacities. Also present were a number of board members and staff from the Centre’s central office.
His Grace gave a moving sermon in which he recounted a summary of the life of St Philothei, and how she not only found the energy and grace from God to overcome significant trials and tribulations in her life, but to in turn be a source of energy and God’s grace for those who were facing similar situations.
The service was followed by a traditional Meatfare luncheon hosted by the parish, and all present enjoyed the food and fellowship on offer. The board and staff all sincerely pray that the intercessions of St Philothei will be with us all.
