Metropolitan of Nea Krini and Kalamaria liturgised at the Parish of the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Thomastown

On the Sunday after the Exaltation of the Precious Cross, 21 September, the Holy Diocese of Chora had the special joy of welcoming, on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Eminence Metropolitan Ioustinos of Nea Krini and Kalamaria, who is visiting Australia to participate in the 2nd Pan-Australian Clergy Synaxis, which will take place in Sydney from 29 September to 1 October.

His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord in the suburb of Thomastown, Melbourne, together with the Hieromonk Fr. Chrysostomos, Elder of the Kellion of Saint Panteleimon of the Skete of the Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou on Mount Athos, who is accompanying the Metropolitan on his visit to Australia.

The choice to serve at this church was not accidental. It was selected because His Eminence Metropolitan Ioustinos was born in Meliti, Florina, and here in Thomastown lives a large number of faithful with origins from Florina and its villages. Thus, the visit became a warm and moving family gathering, where the Hierarch found himself among his own people, who carry the same roots and the same memories.

His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, received with great emotion, Metropolitan Ioustinos and warmly welcomed him. He spoke about the first immigrants who, with sacrifices, sweat, and blood, built the Church on the fifth continent; who truly lived a life of the Cross, so that the new generations might have open paths before them. “Our churches,” he said, “are small in size, but great in value, because they were built with pain, love, and faith.”

Addressing His Eminence Ioustinos, he emphasised that they are no longer merely acquaintances, but friends of the heart, and he likened the moment, and indeed all the moments they had shared together over the past days, to the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor: “Just as the disciples did, so too we feel today that we want to set up tents and remain with You. For Your presence fills us with light and hope.”

His Grace also referred to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, explaining that these moments are the fruit of his spiritual guidance. Thanks to his vision, the Church in Australia is experiencing a period of renewal, with emphasis on youth, theological education, language, and culture. “He shows us,” he said, “that the preservation of our identity is not a luxury, but a responsibility; it is the way to remain alive, united, and rooted in our faith and tradition.”

In his reply, Metropolitan Ioustinos spoke with deep emotion. He said that he felt at home, seeing faces of the same origin, and he described the Church of the Transfiguration as “a beautiful church of Australia, which radiates faith and love.” He warmly thanked His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who invited him and gave him this opportunity, as well as Bishop Evmenios of Chora for his warm welcome. He also spoke about the importance of the Greek diaspora, which not only keeps faith and language alive, but also confirms that Greek identity can flourish even far from the homeland.

vema.com.au

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