With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Holy Diocese of Adelaide held extended celebrations for the Guardian and Protector of Australia and our Holy Archdiocese – St Paisios the Athonite.
The celebrations began with a combined Vespers service on the eve of his feast, Friday 11th of July 2025, at the Archiepiscopal Church of St Sophia (Holy Wisdon of God), Bowden. The service was led by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, assisted by several of the priests of the Diocese. Light refreshments were offered to the faithful after the service in the parish hall.
The next morning (Saturday 12th of July) most parishes celebrated the Divine Liturgy in honour of our patron, and many again returned to St Sophia to celebrate the feast together, with a hierarchical Divine Liturgy presided by His Grace.
Then at 3:00pm that afternoon, the Greek Welfare Centre hosted a Paraklesis service dedicated to St Paisios in its head office at Torrensville – presided by His Grace and assisted by priests of the Holy Diocese. With the blessing of His Eminence, this service was held as part of the Central Philoptochos’ winter book & icon exhibition held at the Centre from Saturday 5th of July through to Sunday 13th. The exhibition is one of three held annually, with proceeds being used to fund the mission and outreach of the Holy Diocese of Adelaide and was also an opportunity to showcase the philanthropic work of the Centre. The Philoptochos also generously offered food and refreshments for the worshippers.
At each of these three services, His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, while conveying the prayers and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, addressed the faithful with words inspired by the life and teachings of St Paisios. May the prayers of the Holy Protector of Australia be with us all.
