The anniversary of OHI Day (October 28, 1940) was celebrated in Adelaide with feelings of spiritual joy and adulation.
On the feast day, Saturday 28 October 2023, in all our churches , after the Matins and the Divine Liturgy of the Holy Protection of the Theotokos, doxology and prayers were recited for the struggle of 1940 and the repose of the souls of those who fell for our freedom.
On Sunday, 29 October 2023, the Official Doxology was recited and a Memorial Service for the fallen was conducted at the Archiepiscopal Church of St Sophia (The Wisdom of God). With the blessing of our Father and Shepherd, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Holy Services of Matins, Divine Liturgy, Memorial, Doxology were presided by His Eminence Metropolitan Ignatios of Northern Madagascar, joined by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Sinope, the Rev Fr Jeremy Krieg, and the Hierodeacon Ioannis Saridakis.
The Services were attended by, among others, the Minister of Transport and Energy, Mr Anastasios Koutsantonis, on behalf of the Premier of South Australia, the State Minister of Culture, Mrs Andrea Michaels, the State Senator Ms Constadina Bonaros, the State MP Ms Olivia Savvas, the Federal MP Mr Steve Georganas, the Military Authorities, Presidents and Representatives of the Welfare and Social Organisations of the Archdiocesan District of Adelaide, and Presidents and Representatives of the Greek Ethnic organisations. Of course, students from the schools of the Holy Archdiocese in Adelaide were present, whose representatives stood motionless during the Memorial and Doxology Services, proudly holding the Greek and Australian flags.
In his sermon, His Eminence Metropolitan Ignatios of Northern Madagascar emphasized the importance of the daily study of the Bible, our regular participation in the Sacraments of the Church, and the constant spiritual struggle, as means for our salvation.
Prior to the dismissal, His Eminence Ignatios of Northern Madagascar read out the Message of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia on the anniversary of the 28th October 1940. Following, His Grace Silouan of Sinope greeted the dignitaries and all faithful present, conveying the blessings and festal wishes of our Archbishop, while also referring to the sacrifices of our forefathers for the freedom of our homeland as a guide for the younger generations. Afterwards, the national anthems of Greece and Australia were recited.
After the end of the Holy Services, in the adjacent Archdiocesan hall, a festive luncheon was offered to the official guests, while the operation of the monthly “Saturday Market” continued for a second day, as part of the 28th October 1940 anniversary celebrations. The “Market”, as always, but even more so today, attracted many people – not only of Greek origin – who enjoyed the delicious home-cooked food in the friendly festive atmosphere of the day, sitting either in the hall or under the tents set up in the courtyard . The children spent their energy running, playing, and jumping in the jumping castle that had been set up in the courtyard.