With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis served at the Parish-Community of Saint Nicholas, Canberra, and officiated over the celebratory events of the anniversary of 28 October 1940.
After the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Bartholomew conducted a Doxology Service in commemoration of the Anniversary of “OXI Day” and following this, His Grace during his short speech in front of the faithful who had come to honour the Heroes of 1940, emphasised the importance of reflecting on the faith of those who fought and sacrificed for Freedom. In addition, he underlined our duty to stand firm in the face of injustice, discrimination and conflict.
In closing, His Grace Bishop Bartholomew conveyed to the congregation, the love and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, while he also announced to the congregation the great joy and honour His Eminence will bestow on the people of Canberra by visiting the Nation’s Capital and by serving the Matins and the Divine Liturgy at the church of Saint Nicholas on Christmas eve.
Immediately after the service, His Grace Bishop Bartholomew visited the Greek Australian War Memorial and conducted a Trisagion (Memorial Service) as well as laying a wreath on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
It must be noted that the “OXI Day” celebrations were conducted in the presence of the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, His Excellency Mr. Georgios Papacostas, the High Commissioner of Cyprus in Australia, His Excellency Mr. Antonis Sammoutis, Colonel Ioannis Fassianos, Permanent Military Attaché of the Greek Embassy in Canberra, the former Ambassador of Australia in Greece Mr. Arthur Spyrou and the President of the Parish and Community of Saint Nicholas Canberra, Mr. John Loukadellis.
