With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, on Sunday, 19 October, the memory of Saint Artemios the Great Martyr, Patron Saint of Police Officers, was solemnly commemorated at the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Carlton, Melbourne.
The Divine Liturgy and Doxology were celebrated by the Parish Priest, Fr Emmanuel Lykopantis, who is also responsible for the pastoral care of the police force. In attendance were members of the Board of the Hellenic Police Association of Victoria, led by its President, Acting Superintendent Mr. Andreas Markakis, along with Ms. Hilda Sirec, Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in charge of the Southern Command, and other senior officers.
During the Divine Liturgy, the icon of Saint Artemios, donated by the Hellenic Police to the Hellenic Police Association of Victoria, was placed for veneration.
Acting Superintendent Mr. Andrew Markakis dedicated this special day to the memory of two fallen police officers, Neal Thompson and Vadmin De Warrt-Hottart, expressing heartfelt thanks to Fr Emmanuel and the Parish of Saint John in Carlton for their ongoing support of police officers.
At the conclusion of the service, the parish council and the Ladies Auxiliary prepared a barbecue, offering an opportunity for police officers and members of the community to come together in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
