With ecclesiastical splendour and reverence, the Sunday of Orthodoxy was celebrated at the Church of Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill, Melbourne. On this day, our Holy Church honours the restoration of the Holy Icons and the triumph of the Orthodox Faith.
The Divine Liturgy was presided over by the Parish Priest, Archimandrite Fr. Irinaios Koikas, assisted by Protopresbyter Fr. Matthew Papadopoulos.
In his sermon, Fr. Irinaios referred to the deeper theological meaning of the feast, emphasising that the veneration of the Holy Icons is a confession of the Incarnation of the Lord and a reminder of humanity’s high calling to holiness. He underlined that the Saints of the Church were not people different from us, but persons who struggled with faith, repentance, and devotion to God, demonstrating that holiness is not an abstract idea, but a reality that can be lived by every person within the Church when faith becomes an act of love and sacrifice.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the customary procession of the Holy Icons took place, led by the Holy Icon of Panagia Kamariani.
Subsequently, an Encyclical of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia was read, through which the importance of supporting St Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney was emphasised, as a centre of theological education and ministry for the local Church.
Fr. Irinaios also announced that the Parish will participate in the national celebrations for the Anniversary of 25 March 1821, which will take place in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios. He further stressed the importance of the living presence of the Church at events that express the faith and identity of Hellenism in the Diaspora.
Finally, he informed the faithful that restoration works on the interior section of the church ceiling will commence immediately, expressing heartfelt thanks to all parishioners for their continued financial and moral support. He especially emphasised that every progress and every achievement of the Parish does not belong to individuals, but is the fruit of the unity of the people of God, who journey within the Church and under the loving protection of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The celebration concluded in a spirit of joy, faith, and unity, affirming that Orthodoxy is not merely a tradition, but a living experience of life in Christ.
