On the second weekend of Great Lent, in which we commemorate St. Gregory Palamas each year, His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios travelled to New Zealand on a pastoral visit in which he also ordained Dn. Chris Hristov to the rank of Holy Priesthood.
His Eminence Basilios began the trip by visiting the Orthodox faithful in Wellington, the Capital City of New Zealand. The community was overly joyed at the visit of their chief shepherd who offered spiritual guidance, expressed his love in common dialogue and prayed the Akathyst service with them.
His Eminence then travelled to Dunedin, where St. Michael’s Orthodox Church is located, which has a significant history, having been consecrated in 1912. A Vespers Service was held on the Saturday evening and on Sunday morning a Matins and Divine Liturgy.
During the Liturgy, Dn. Chris was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by the descending of the Holy Spirit, through the laying on of hands by His Eminence Basilios. Afterwards, a luncheon was organised to celebrate this blessed occasion with the faithful.
Let us keep Fr. Chris, his wife Kh. Vanya and their two sons, Christoper and Victor in our prayers, as they attempt to minister to the faithful Antiochian Orthodox Christians of New Zealand.
Axios! He is Worthy!
— Source: antiochian.org.au