With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and in the presence of His Grace Bishop Silouan of Sinope, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan District of Adelaide celebrated the Vespers of Forgiveness at the new Archiepiscopal Church of St Sophia (Holy Wisdom of God), in the inner-city suburb of Bowden, on Cheesefare Sunday, 26 February 2023.
The turnout for the Vespers of Forgiveness for both clergy and laity was very strong, with dozens of clergy and hundreds of laity gathering together to mark the start of Great Lent. The service was also decorated by the presence of a number of clergy from our sister Orthodox jurisdictions.
The strong turnout put some minor logistical pressures on the parish, as not all were able to fit into the Church. However, these challenges were overcome with a live video feed to screens both outside the Church and in the adjacent hall. Coupled with near-perfect weather, the result was a comfortable and prayerful experience for all in attendance.
Upon the foundation of conveying the Paternal love and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios to all the faithful for a holy and great lent that is enriched with humility and truth, His Grace gave a homily strengthening the faithful for the spiritual struggle that is to come and reminding them all of the joy that accompanies it.
The service was followed by a light supper in the Parish hall, catered by the tireless ladies of the Central Philoptochos.
In all it was a beautiful evening, and a fitting beginning for our journey to Pascha together.
