On October 31st, under the patronage of His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios, the youth of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia were invited to share in the 6th Anniversary of the consecration of the Antiochian Village in Goulburn.
His Eminence, accompanied by NSW clergy, presided over the Matins service and Divine Liturgy, which took place in St Anna’s chapel. In his sermon to the youth, our Chief Shepherd expressed the importance of visiting the monastery and celebrating the anniversary of its consecration, among these being to pay homage to the hard work of all the people who assisted in establishing the Village and who facilitate its up-keep. He expressed the importance of monasteries in Orthodoxy and our spiritual lives – a place which allows us to retreat from the noise of the world, teaching us how to pray and establish a connection with God.
The service was followed by lunch, after which His Eminence met with the youth of each individual parish, encouraging them in their spiritual work and reminding them of their importance in bringing new people to Christ and the Church.
His Eminence thanks ACOY and all the clergy and laity who assisted in making the 6th Anniversary celebrations a memorable one, especially given this year’s difficult circumstances and restrictions.