Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta, Protosyncellus of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, visited the Parish of Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill, Melbourne, on Sunday, May 3, marking the Sunday of the Paralytic with a special service attended by a full congregation.
The Bishop presided over the Orthros and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and conducted the 40-day memorial service for the late Ioannis Koikas, representing Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Also present in prayer was Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, alongside parish priest Fr Irineos Koikas, assistant priest Fr Matthaios Papadopoulos, and Fathers Iordanis Krikelis and Efstathios Ladas. The church was filled with faithful, including students from Oakleigh Grammar and the Red Hill branch of the Greek School “Agios Kosmas o Aitolos.”
Fr Irineos warmly welcomed Bishop Christophoros, expressing the parish’s gratitude for his presence and for representing Archbishop Makarios at the memorial of his grandfather. “We feel truly blessed to have you with us,” he said, noting the strong devotion of the Panagia Kamariani community to the Archbishop. The parish presented the Bishop with an episcopal medallion bearing the icon of Panagia Kamariani as a token of appreciation.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Christophoros conveyed the blessings and love of Archbishop Makarios and spoke of his personal joy in returning, for the first time as a Bishop, to what he described as a sacred place of pilgrimage in Melbourne.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the day, he encouraged the faithful to emulate the patience and humility of the Paralytic of Bethesda. Drawing on the phrase “Lord, I have no one,” he highlighted the role of the Church as a source of support, urging regular participation in its life and setting an example for younger generations.
“We must all journey together within the Church and towards the Kingdom of God,” he said.
The Bishop also praised Fr Irineos for his dedication and virtues, expressing confidence that his late grandfather rests peacefully, knowing his grandson continues to serve within the Church community.
In closing, Bishop Christophoros thanked the attending clergy for their longstanding service and paid special tribute to Metropolitan Ezekiel, affectionately referring to him as “our good grandfather.” He recalled fond childhood memories connected to the Metropolitan, highlighting his warmth and care, particularly towards the children of clergy.
“I do not know many bishops who show such love to priests’ children as Metropolitan Ezekiel did,” he said. “I thank him and pray that we, the younger generation, may be worthy to follow his example.”
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