Evangelismos, West Perth in West Perth, Western Australia | Church

Evangelismos, West Perth

Locality: West Perth, Western Australia

Phone: +61 419 961 313

Address: 57 Carr Street 6005 West Perth, WA, Australia

Website: http://www.evangelismos.com.au/

Likes: 1958

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Church
• Religious organisation
• Eastern Orthodox church

24.01.2022 Today we celebrate one of the contemporary saints of our Church, St Porphyrios the Kapsokalyvite who departed for eternal joy in 1991. Read his short biography.

24.01.2022 Today we commemorate the Conception of St. John the Baptist. "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. So it was, that while he was se...rving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.' And Zacharias said to the angel, 'How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.' And the angel answered and said to him, 'I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.' And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, 'Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.'" (Luke 1:5-25)

23.01.2022 Find out about the St Andrew's Theological College Open Day.

22.01.2022 Today we commemorate the Circumcision of Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. On the eighth day following His birth, the Divine Child was presented in the Temple and circumcised according to the Law existing in Israel since the time of Abraham. On this occasion He was given the name Jesus, which the Archangel Gabriel had announced to the Most-holy Virgin Mary. The Old Testament circumcision was the prefiguring of the New Testament baptism. The circumcision of our Lord sh...ows that He truly received upon Himself the body of man and not just seemingly, as was later taught of Him by heretics. Our Lord was also circumcised because He wanted to fulfill the entire Law, which He Himself gave through the prophets and forefathers. In fulfilling the written Law, He replaced it with baptism in His Holy Church, as was proclaimed by the Apostle Paul: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature (Galatians 6:15). (In the liturgical calendar of the Church, this Feast of the Lord’s Circumcision has neither a forefeast nor an afterfeast.) https://www.gometropolis.org//the-circumcision-of-our-lor/

22.01.2022 Podcast time again. Listen in to our latest lesson from Thursday night bible study from our parish priest Fr Emmanuel Stamatiou.

21.01.2022 Today we commemorate Saint Mary of Egypt. The biography of this wonderful saint was written by St. Sophronius, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Once, during Great Lent, a certain priest-monk, the Elder Zosimas, withdrew into the wilderness beyond the Jordan, a twenty-day trek. Suddenly, he caught sight of a human being with a withered and naked body, whose hair was as white as snow, and who fled from Zosimas’s sight. The elder ran for a long while, until this person stopped at a b...Continue reading

21.01.2022 Halki Summit IV Webinar, 26-28 January, 2021 ALL ARE WELCOME to attend, listen and ask questions. On behalf of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholom...ew, there are a series of three vital webinars being organised on the connections between Covid-19 and Climate Change as part of the Halki Summit initiative which, in the words of His All-Holiness provide a platform for conversation and promote an atmosphere of dialogue to discern and foster changes in attitudes and lifestyles. In addition to participation by His All-Holiness our Ecumenical Patriarch and His Eminence Metropolitan John of Pergamon, this Halki Summit IV will bring together a number of distinguished scientists and environmentalists to discuss the impact and implications between these two contemporary crises. The time of these webinars actually suits listeners in Australia, who would be able to participate live. See the attached flyer which contains information about registration and the website with the biographical notes of the speakers.

20.01.2022 Today we celebrate the Theophany of Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. When our Lord reached thirty years from His physical birth, He began His teaching and salvific work. He Himself signified this beginning of the beginning by His Baptism in the Jordan River. St Cyril of Jerusalem says: The beginning of the world is water; the beginning of the Gospel is the Jordan. At the time of the Baptism of the Lord in water, the mystery was declared to the world the mystery... that was prophesied in the Old Testament; the mystery that was known only in fables in ancient Egypt and India the mystery of the Divine Holy Trinity. The Father was revealed to the sense of hearing, the Spirit was revealed to the sense of sight, and the Son was revealed to the sense of touch. The Father uttered His witness about the Son, the Son was baptized in the water, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove hovered above the water. When John the Baptist bore witness to Christ, saying: Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and when John immersed and baptized the Lord in the Jordan, the mission of Christ in the world and the path of our salvation were shown. That is to say, the Lord took upon Himself the sins of mankind and died under them (immersion) and rose again (the coming out of the water); and we must die to the old sinful man and rise again as cleansed, renewed and regenerated. This is the Savior and this is the path to salvation. The Feast of the Theophany is also called the Feast of Illumination. The event in the Jordan River illuminates us by manifesting God to us as Trinity, consubstantial and undivided. That is one way that we are illumined. And the second way is that every one of us through baptism in water is illumined, in that we become adopted by the Father of Lights through the merits of the Son and the power of the Holy Spirit. https://www.gometropolis.org//the-theophany-of-our-lord-a/

20.01.2022 All welcome for this seminar this coming Friday.

20.01.2022 FIRST WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CONVERT TO BE OFFICIALLY APPOINTED AS PARISH PRIEST TO THE CHURCH OF SAINT NICHOLAS IN BUNBURY On Sunday 27 September 2020 Fr John Sull...ivan became the first convert in WA to be officially appointed as parish priest to the Church of Saint Nicholas in Bunbury, a coastal city located approximately 175 kilometres south of Perth. The occasion was marked with Hierarchical Matins and Divine Liturgy presided by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyaneon. At the conclusion of the service, His Grace, on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, officially presented Fr John Sullivan to the parishioners of Saint Nicholas as their new parish priest. His Grace reassured Fr John that the Archdiocese and the clergy of Perth are always there to support him and his wife Presvytera Anna as they seek to continue God's work and extend it to the wider community. His Grace acknowledged the former parish priest, Fr Sotirios Vlachopoulos, who had served the local Greek Orthodox Community in Bunbury for over 20 years and thanked him for serving the church with so much love and humility. His Grace also thanked Fr Evan who over the last 18 months has been travelling the 4-hr return trip from Perth to Bunbury to assist with the Sunday liturgies. In an emotional address, President Aristos Papandroulakis, thanked His Eminence for providing the community of Bunbury with a worthy and energetic priest to serve and expand the parish. We wish the new parish priest, Fr John Sullivan and his wife Presvytera Anna, every blessing as they now embark on their mission of brining orthodoxy to all those who thirst for the truth.

19.01.2022 Today we commemorate Saint John of Sinai, called Climacus. John Climacus is the author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent. John came to Mount Sinai as a sixteen-year-old youth and remained there, first as a novice, later as a recluse, and finally as abbot of Sinai until his eightieth year, when he reposed, in about the year 649. His biographer, the monk Daniel, says about him: His body ascended the heights of Sinai, while his soul ascended the heights of heaven. He remained und...er obedience to his spiritual father, Martyrius, for nineteen years. Anastasius of Sinai, seeing the young John, prophesied that he would become the abbot of Sinai. After the death of his spiritual father, John withdrew into a cave, where he lived a life of strict asceticism for twenty years. His disciple, Moses, fell asleep one day under the shade of a large stone. John, at prayer in his cell, saw that his disciple was in danger and prayed to God for him. Later, when Moses returned, he fell on his knees and gave thanks to his spiritual father for saving him from certain death. He related that in a dream he had heard John calling him, and that he had jumped up at the moment the stone had fallen. Had he not jumped, the stone would have crushed him. At the insistence of the brotherhood, John agreed to become abbot, and he directed the salvation of the souls of men with zeal and love. Certain people reproached John for talking too much. Not at all angered by this, John nevertheless remained silent for an entire year. He did not utter a word until the brothers implored him to speak, and to continue teaching them his God-given wisdom. On one occasion, when six hundred pilgrims came to the Monastery of Sinai, everyone saw an agile youth in Jewish attire serving at table, giving orders to other servants and assigning duties. Suddenly, this young man disappeared. When everyone noticed this and began to ask questions, John said to them: Do not seek him, for that was Moses the Prophet serving in his own place. During his silence in the cave, John wrote many worthwhile books, of which the most glorious is The Ladder. This book is still read by many, even today. In this book, John describes the method of raising the soul to God, comparing it to the climbing of a ladder. Before his death, John designated George, his brother in the flesh, as abbot. George grieved much because of his separation from John. Then John said to him that, if he were found worthy to be near God in the other world, he would pray to Him that George would be taken to heaven that same year. And so it came to pass. After ten months, George fell asleep and settled among the citizens of heaven as his great brother, John, had done. https://www.gometropolis.org//our-venerable-god-bearing-f/

19.01.2022 Today we commemorate the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke. Luke was born in Antioch. In his youth, he excelled in his studies of Greek philosophy, medicine and art. During the ministry of the Lord Jesus on earth, Luke came to Jerusalem, where he saw the Savior face to face, heard His saving teaching and was witness to His miraculous works. Coming to belief in the Lord, St. Luke was numbered among the Seventy Apostles, and was sent out to preach. With Cleopas, he saw the resur...rected Lord on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24). After the descent of the Holy Spirit, Luke returned to Antioch and there became a fellow worker of the Apostle Paul and traveled to Rome with him, converting Jews and pagans to the Christian Faith. Luke, the beloved physician, greets you, writes the Apostle Paul to the Colossians (Colossians 4:14). At the request of Christians, he wrote his Gospel in about the year 60. Following the martyrdom of the great Apostle Paul, St. Luke preached the Gospel throughout Italy, Dalmatia, Macedonia and other regions. He painted icons of the Most-holy Theotokos not just one, but three and icons of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Hence, St. Luke is considered to be the founder of Christian iconography. In old age, he visited Libya and Upper Egypt. From Egypt he returned to Greece, where he continued to preach and convert many with great zeal despite his old age. In addition to his Gospel, St. Luke wrote the Acts and dedicated both works to Theophilus, the governor of Achaia. Luke was eighty-four years old when the wicked idolaters tortured him for the sake of Christ and hanged him from an olive tree in the town of Thebes, in Boethia. The miracle-working relics of this wonderful saint were transported to Constantinople in the reign of Emperor Constantius, the son of Constantine. https://www.gometropolis.org//the-holy-apostle-and-evange/

18.01.2022 A reminder that this will take place this coming Monday and we encourage everyone who can to attend with their children/grandchildren

18.01.2022 75th ANNIVERSARY EMPIRE PATROL BOAT DISASTER This Sunday 4 October 2020, His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyaneon will be presiding over the Matins and Hierarchic...al Divine Liturgy at the Church of Sts Constantine and Helene where there will be a memorial service for the 75th Anniversary for the Empire Patrol Boat Disaster. His Grace will be assisted in the service by Fr George Litas, Fr Evan Battalis, Fr Terry Gerovasilis and Deacon Athanasios Athanasiadis. The service will be followed by a lunch and lecture in the Hellenic Community Centre hall next door to the Church . The service will be live streamed via the Sts Constantine and Helene Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/StsConstantineHelenePerth https://www.empirepatrol.com/

18.01.2022 Christmas is just around the corner and we've got some great gift ideas for the whole family. Find out more

18.01.2022 Our next podcast is available. Listen in to our parish priest Fr Emmanuel Stamatiou from our Thursday night bible study lessons.

17.01.2022 Today we commemorate the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross The Holy Feast is called in Greek " " (literally, "Raising Aloft of the Precious Cross"). The pagan Roman emperors tried to completely eradicate from human memory the holy places where our Lord Jesus Christ suffered and was Resurrected for mankind. The pagan Roman emperor Hadrian (117-138 A.D.) gave orders to cover over the ground of Golgotha and the Sepulcher of the Lo...Continue reading

16.01.2022 Our next podcast is available. Listen in.

15.01.2022 New books arriving this week | Great Christmas gift ideas! Find out more about books available for a range of ages, including books for mums, a book for kids 7+ years on St Catherine and another for kids 10-14 years about a boy who finds a lost church and icon. Overviews below. To purchase visit our bookstore after Liturgy on Saturday & Sunday mornings, or Tuesdays 10am-12pm and Thursdays 10.30am-2pm. Also available by appointment by emailing [email protected] "The broken wheel" Young Katherine, born into noble wealth with an insatiable hunger for knowledge, surpasses even her tutors when it comes to learning. But her learning counts for nothing when she meets the only man worthy of her - her heavenly Bridegroom. Trading worldly knowledge for eternal wisdom, Katherine challenges even the emperor himself - and he prepares a cruel invention to break her. Meet this great bride of Christ in the second graphic novel in the Among the Saints series - written to inspire both children and adults. (7+ years) "The Lost Saint" Marko’s life changes in an instant when he spies an armada of Ottoman ships on the horizon. After a battle separates him from his family, he finds help and guidance with a small group of monks. But when they stumble upon an abandoned church and a mysterious icon, Marko must conquer his own fears in order to make peace with God and to reunite with his family. Journey back to 1522, Rhodes, Greece, and experience with Marko what it means to be lost, then found. (10-14 years)

15.01.2022 Our next podcast is in! Listen in to our parish priest Fr Emmanuel Stamatiou from Thursday night bible study lessons.

14.01.2022 SAVE THE DATE Event link: https://fb.me/e/2R8th9wZe

14.01.2022 More than just a cookbook, The Festive Fast serves as a guide to olive oil and vegetarian cuisine based on the dietary guidelines of the Eastern Orthodox liturgical fasts. The 389 recipes focus on both traditional and creative Mediterranean cuisine, offering healthy food choices without meat and dairy products. Together with quotes from the Church Fathers, this book offers a means to maintain a balance between body and soul. The recipes in this book can be used for sit-down m...eals, buffets, cocktails, dinners, tea parties, or coffee hours. There are certain ingredients which should be kept on hand which are basic to Lenten and vegetarian cuisines. The Festive Fast is a precious guide to balanced nourishment, facilitating the ascetical effort of fasting and the adoption of a proper lifestyle. Its authors have treasured the experience of people and offered rich proposals for inspiration and culinary creativity.

13.01.2022 Listen in for our latest podcast from our Thursday night Bible Study lessons.

13.01.2022 Our next podcast is available. Listen in!

12.01.2022 Today we commemorate St Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Armenia. This Saint, a Parthian by race, was the son of Anak. He was born about the year 240 and was taught the Faith of Christ in Caesarea of Cappadocia. He entered the service of Tiridates, King of Armenia, but when discovered to be a Christian, he was subjected to many horrible torments at the King's hands, then was cast into a pit of mire with poisonous serpents and left to die. By the power of God, however, he ab...ode there unharmed for fourteen years, his needs provided by a certain widow, until he was made known by revelation and set free. He converted to piety innumerable multitudes of Armenians, including Tiridates himself, and was consecrated bishop by Leontius, Archbishop of Caesarea, to shepherd the vast flock he had gained for Christ. He spent the last part of his life in retirement in the ascetical discipline, and reposed in peace about the year 325. Saint Gregory is honoured as the Illuminator of Armenia. https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=223

11.01.2022 Today we commemorate Saint John Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople. John was born in Antioch in the year 354. His father, Secundus, was an imperial commander and his mother’s name was Anthusa. Studying Greek philoshophy, John became disgusted with Hellenic paganism and adopted the Christian Faith as the one and all-embracing truth. Meletius, Patriarch of Antioch, baptized John, and his parents also subsequently received baptism. Following his parents’ repose, John was to...nsured a monk and lived a strict life of asceticism. He then wrote a book, On the Priesthood, after which the Holy Apostles John and Peter appeared to him, and prophesied that he would have a life of great service, great grace and great suffering. When he was to be ordained a priest, an angel of God appeared simultaneously to John and to Patriarch Flavian (Meletius’s successor). While the patriarch was ordaining John, a shining white dove was seen hovering over John’s head. Glorified for his wisdom, asceticism and power of words, John was chosen as Patriarch of Constantinople at the behest of Emperor Arcadius. As patriarch, he governed the Church for six years with unequalled zeal and wisdom. He sent missionaries to the pagan Celts and Scythians and eradicated simony in the Church, deposing many bishops guilty of this vice. He extended the charitable works of the Church and wrote a special order of the Divine Liturgy. He shamed the heretics, denounced Empress Eudoxia, interpreted Holy Scripture with his golden mind and tongue, and bequeathed the Church many precious books of his homilies. The people glorified him, the envious loathed him, and the Empress, on two occasions, sent him into exile. John spent three years in exile, and reposed as an exile on the Feast of the Elevation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross, September 14, 407, in the town of Comana in Georgia. Before his repose, the Holy Apostles John and Peter appeared to him again, as did the Holy Martyr Basiliscus (May 22) in whose church he received Communion for the last time. His last words were, Glory be to God for all things, and with that, the soul of the golden-mouthed patriarch was taken into Paradise. Chrysostom’s head reposes in the Church of the Dormition in Moscow, and his body reposes in the [Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople]. https://www.gometropolis.org//saint-john-chrysostom-patri/

10.01.2022 Podcast time! Listen in the the next lesson available from our Thursday night bible study lessons by parish priest Fr Emmanuel Stamatiou

10.01.2022 Podcast time - the latest lesson is available. Listen in!

09.01.2022 The Archdiocesan District of Perth Organises a Fun Day for Children On Monday 5 October, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyaneon, a Children’s... School Holiday event was hosted at the Parish of Saint Nektarios in Perth, WA. The event was organised by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Archdiocesan District of Perth, and brought together children of all ages from all of the parishes and monastery of Perth. The event was well attended by over 60 children with many more parents and grandparents also in attendance. The day began with an English Divine Liturgy conducted by the Parish Priest of the Church of Saint Nektarios, Fr John Athansiou, together with Fr Terry Gerovasilis, Parish Priest of the Church of Saints Constantine and Helene. Fr Terry spoke in his sermon to the children about the need to fulfil Christ’s commandment to love one another as we love ourselves by sharing our blessings and belongings with all those around us. The children also learned how to make koliva (memorial wheat) and the importance of praying for our loved ones who have fallen asleep. With the koliva that the children helped prepare, His Grace Bishop Elpidios then conducted a Trisagion Service inside the church and explained to all the meaning of this very special service. In the afternoon, His Grace, assisted by Father Terry, spoke to the children about the vestments and other church articles used by the priests and bishops in the church. Father John spoke to the children about the life of Saint Nektarios. The children were also given the opportunity to prepare their own pizza while enjoying each other’s company. Finally, the day concluded with prayer by all the children in the church after which they all received an icon and blessing from His Grace. Prior to leaving for the day all children received a special treat which included ice cream. Overall, the event was a fantastic success with all the children enjoying physical activities such as soccer, sharing fellowship with one another and learning more about the Church and our orthodox faith.

08.01.2022 Our parish will be performing at this event. We'd love for you all to attend with your families.

08.01.2022 Today we commemorate Apostle James, son of Alphaeus. Holy Apostle James the son of Alphaeus one of the Twelve Apostles, was the brother of the holy Evangelist Matthew. He heard the Lord’s words and witnessed His miracles. After the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle James Alphaeus and the Apostle Andrew the First-Called (November 30), made missionary journeys preaching in Judea, Edessa, Gaza, Eleutheropolis, proclaiming the Gospel, healing all sorts of sickness and disease, and converting many to the path of salvation. Saint James finished his apostolic work In the Egyptian city of Ostrachina, where he was crucified by the pagans. https://www.oca.org///102916-apostle-james-son-of-alphaeus

07.01.2022 Celebrations for the Feast Day of the Annunciation of the Holy Theotokos and Greek Independence Day in Perth

07.01.2022 Former Pentecostals Embrace Orthodoxy in WA The Parish of Saint Nektarios in Perth recently witnessed the entry into the Orthodox Faith of Panayiotis (Babith) a...nd Anna (Abi). This married couple, coming from a Pentecostal background, were catechised by Father John Athanasiou, and after undergoing rigourous preparation were found to be ready to be baptised into the Orthodox Church. The Sacrament of Baptism was presided over by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyaneon who on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, welcomed the couple into the church. The mystery of baptism was carefully explained by His Grace to the edification of all. At the conclusion of the ceremony all present were treated to excellent examples of Indian cuisine which allowed the newly illuminated couple to celebrate the cooking from their homeland. Panayiotis and Anna have two young children, who were recently baptised into the Orthodox Church and were given the names of Vasilios and Ioanna. The day after their baptism, the couple were then married at the Church of Saint Nektarios. After the service all were treated to a Greek smorgasbord at the home of the Matron of Honour (Koumbara). May God continue to bless the journey of this family into the Orthodox Faith.

07.01.2022 Today we commemorate St Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love. The Holy Martyrs Saint Sophia and her Daughters Faith, Hope and Love were born in Italy. Their mother was a pious Christian widow who named her daughters for the three Christian virtues. Faith was twelve, Hope was ten, and Love was nine. Saint Sophia raised them in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Saint Sophia and her daughters did not hide their faith in Christ, but openly confessed it before ever...yone. An official named Antiochus denounced them to the emperor Hadrian (117-138), who ordered that they be brought to Rome. Realizing that they would be taken before the emperor, the holy virgins prayed fervently to the Lord Jesus Christ, asking that He give them the strength not to fear torture and death. When the holy virgins and their mother came before the emperor, everyone present was amazed at their composure. They looked as though they had been brought to some happy festival, rather than to torture. Summoning each of the sisters in turn, Hadrian urged them to offer sacrifice to the goddess Artemis. The young girls remained unyielding. Then the emperor ordered them to be tortured. They burned the holy virgins over an iron grating, then threw them into a red-hot oven, and finally into a cauldron with boiling tar, but the Lord preserved them. The youngest child, Love, was tied to a wheel and they beat her with rods until her body was covered all over with bloody welts. After undergoing unspeakable torments, the holy virgins glorified their Heavenly Bridegroom and remained steadfast in the Faith. They subjected Saint Sophia to another grievous torture: the mother was forced to watch the suffering of her daughters. She displayed adamant courage, and urged her daughters to endure their torments for the sake of the Heavenly Bridegroom. All three maidens were beheaded, and joyfully bent their necks beneath the sword. In order to intensify Saint Sophia’s inner suffering, the emperor permitted her to take the bodies of her daughters. She placed their remains in coffins and loaded them on a wagon. She drove beyond the city limits and reverently buried them on a high hill. Saint Sophia sat there by the graves of her daughters for three days, and finally she gave up her soul to the Lord. Even though she did not suffer for Christ in the flesh, she was not deprived of a martyr’s crown. Instead, she suffered in her heart. Believers buried her body there beside her daughters. The relics of the holy martyrs have rested at El’zasa, in the church of Esho since the year 777. https://www.oca.org//102638-martyr-sophia-and-her-three-da

07.01.2022 Today we also commemorate Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia. Saint Basil the Great was born about the end of the year 329 in Caesarea of Cappadocia, to a family renowned for their learning and holiness. His parents' names were Basil and Emily. His mother Emily (commemorated July 19) and his grandmother Macrina (Jan. 14) are Saints of the Church, together with all his brothers and sisters: Macrina, his elder sister (July 19), Gregory of Nyssa (Jan. to), Pet...Continue reading

07.01.2022 Today we commemorate Saint John the Baptist. Because John’s main role in his life was played out on the day of the Theophany, the Church has from earliest times dedicated the day following Theophany to his memory. An incident with the hand of the Forerunner is also linked to this feast. The Evangelist Luke desired to remove the body of John from Sebaste, where the great prophet was beheaded by Herod, to Antioch, his place of birth. He succeeded, though, in acquiring and trans...lating only one hand, which was preserved in Antioch until the tenth century. After this it was transferred to Constantinople, whence it disappeared during the time of the Turks. Feasts of St. John are celebrated several times throughout the year. Among the Gospel personalities who surround the Savior, John the Baptist occupies a totally unique place by the manner of his entry into the world, and by the manner of his life in this world; by his role in baptizing people for repentance; by his baptizing the Messiah; and, finally, by his tragic departure from this life. He was of such moral purity that, in truth, he could be called an angel as Holy Scripture calls him rather than a mortal man. St. John especially differs from all other prophets in that he had the privilege of being able, with his hand, to show the world Him about Whom he prophesied. It is said that every year on the feast of the saint, the bishop brought the hand of St. John before the people. Sometimes the hand appeared open and other times the hand appeared clenched. In the first case it signified a fruitful and bountiful year, and in the second case it meant a year of unfruitfulness and famine. https://www.gometropolis.org//feas/saint-john-the-baptist/

06.01.2022 Everyone is invited to attend this historic Liturgy, being the first time officially served in Perth. The Divine Liturgy of St. James is among the oldest Eucharistic services in continuous use. It is the ancient liturgy of the Church of Jerusalem and is eponymously attributed to the Apostle James the Just, the Brother of the Lord. It is often celebrated in Eastern Orthodox Churches on his feast (October 23).

06.01.2022 Today we commemorate the Holy Apostle Philip. Philip was born in Bethsaida beside the Sea of Galilee, as were Peter and Andrew. Instructed in Holy Scripture from his youth, Philip immediately responded to the call of the Lord Jesus and followed Him (John 1:43). After the descent of the Holy Spirit, Philip zealously preached the Gospel throughout many regions in Asia and Greece. In Greece, the Jews wanted to kill him, but the Lord saved him by His mighty miracles. Thus, a Jewi...sh high priest that rushed at Philip to beat him was suddenly blinded and turned completely black. Then there was a great earthquake, and the earth opened up and swallowed Philip’s wicked persecutor. Many other miracles were manifested, especially the healing of the sick, by which many pagans believed in Christ. In the Phrygian town of Hierapolis, St. Philip found himself in common evangelical work with his sister Mariamna, St. John the Theologian, and the Apostle Bartholomew. In this town there was a dangerous snake that the pagans diligently fed and worshiped as a god. God’s apostle killed the snake through prayer as though with a spear, but he also incurred the wrath of the unenlightened people. The wicked pagans seized Philip and crucified him upside-down on a tree, and then crucified Bartholomew as well. At that, the earth opened up and swallowed the judge and many other pagans with him. In great fear, the people rushed to rescue the crucified apostles, but only Bartholomew was still alive; Philip had already breathed his last. Bartholomew ordained Stachys as bishop for those whom he and Philip had baptized. Stachys had been blind for forty years, and Bartholomew and Philip had healed and baptized him. The relics of St. Philip were later translated to Rome. This wonderful apostle suffered in the year 86 in the time of Emperor Dometian. https://www.gometropolis.org//f/the-holy-apostle-philip-2/

05.01.2022 Today we commemorate the Entrance of the Most-holy Theotokos into the Temple. When the Most-holy Virgin Mary reached the age of three, her holy parents Joachim and Anna took her from Nazareth to Jerusalem to dedicate her to the service of God according to their earlier promise. It was a three-day journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem but, traveling to do a God-pleasing work, this journey was not difficult for them. Many kinsmen of Joachim and Anna gathered in Jerusalem to take p...art in this event, at which the invisible angels of God were also present. Leading the procession into the Temple were virgins with lighted tapers in their hands, then the Most-holy Virgin, led on one side by her father and on the other side by her mother. The Virgin was clad in vesture of royal magnificence and adornments as was befitting the King’s daughter, the Bride of God (Psalm 45:13-15). Following them were many kinsmen and friends, all with lighted tapers. Fifteen steps led up to the Temple. Joachim and Anna lifted the Virgin onto the first step, then she ran quickly to the top herself, where she was met by the High Priest Zacharias, who was to be the father of St. John the Forerunner. Taking her by the hand, he led her not only into the Temple, but into the Holy of Holies, the holiest of holy places, into which no one but the high priest ever entered, and only once each year, at that. St. Theophylact of Ohrid says that Zacharias was outside himself and possessed by God when he led the Virgin into the holiest place in the Temple, beyond the second curtain otherwise, his action could not be explained. Mary’s parents then offered sacrifice to God according to the Law, received the priest’s blessing and returned home. The Most-holy Virgin remained in the Temple and dwelt there for nine full years. While her parents were alive, they visited her often, especially Righteous Anna. When God called her parents from this world, the Most-holy Virgin was left an orphan and did not wish to leave the Temple until death or to enter into marriage. As that would have been against the Law and custom of Israel, she was given to St. Joseph, her kinsman in Nazareth, after reaching the age of twelve. Under the acceptable role of one betrothed, she could live in virginity and thus fulfill her desire and formally satisfy the Law, for it was then unknown in Israel for maidens to vow virginity to the end of their lives. The Most-holy Virgin Mary was the first of such life-vowed virgins, of the thousands and thousands of virgin men and women who would follow her in the Church of Christ. https://www.gometropolis.org//the-entrance-of-the-most-ho/

04.01.2022 Today we commemorate the repose of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. Saint John reposed when he was more than a hundred years old. He far outlived the other eyewitnesses of the Lord, and for a long time he remained the only remaining eyewitness of the earthly life of the Savior. When it was time for the departure of the Apostle John, he went out beyond the city limits of Ephesus with the families of his disciples. He bade them prepare for him a cross-shaped... grave, in which he lay, telling his disciples that they should cover him over with the soil. The disciples tearfully kissed their beloved teacher, but not wanting to be disobedient, they fulfilled his bidding. They covered the face of the saint with a cloth and filled in the grave. Learning of this, other disciples of Saint John came to the place of his burial. When they opened the grave, they found it empty. Each year from the grave of the holy Apostle John on May 8 came forth a fine dust, which believers gathered up and were healed of sicknesses by it. Therefore, the Church also celebrates the memory of the holy Apostle John the Theologian on May 8. The Lord bestowed on His beloved disciple John and John’s brother James the name Sons of Thunder an awesome messenger accompanied by the cleansing power of heavenly fire. And precisely by this the Savior pointed out the flaming, fiery, sacrificial character of Christian love, the preacher of which was the Apostle John the Theologian. The eagle, symbol of the lofty heights of his theological thought, is the iconographic symbol of the Evangelist John the Theologian. The appellation Theologian is bestown by Holy Church only to Saint John among the immediate disciples and Apostles of Christ, as being the seer of the mysterious Judgments of God. Feasts & Saints Read more here: https://www.oca.org//102731-repose-of-the-holy-apostle-and

04.01.2022 With no further community COVID-19 cases in WA, we welcome the easing of restrictions and are pleased that as of 6pm today (Fri 5 Feb 2021) all liturgical services, bible study, bookshop/library and other activities on our grounds can recommence, with the following conditions. Upon entry to the church, you must do the following: -Wear a mask (children under 12 years are exempt) ... -Sign in to the contact register provided -Observe the 1.5M social distancing rule, wherever possible Masks are also required to be worn at all times on the parish grounds, including the car park. We are working within the State Government’s 4 square metre per person rule and will have a designated person monitoring capacity. We will not be taking bookings for attendance and will be operating on a first come, first served basis. Priority will be given for people attending designated memorial services. When we have reached the prescribe capacity, we unfortunately cannot allow any more people to enter the church. We ask for your co-operation and patience in complying with these restrictions. We expect these restrictions will ease further as of 12.01am Sun 14 Feb 2021 and hopefully our parish can return to how it was pre-lockdown. We will provide further updates in due course when they become available.

04.01.2022 Today we commemorate the Holy Apostle Matthew the Evangelist. Matthew, son of Alphaeus, was a tax collector when the Lord saw him in Capernaum and said: Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him (Matthew 9:9). After that, Matthew prepared a reception for the Lord in his home and thus provided the occasion for the Lord to express several great truths about His coming to earth. After receiving the Holy Spirit, Matthew preached the Gospel to the Parthians, Medes and Ethiopians. ...In Ethiopia he appointed his follower Plato as bishop, and withdrew to prayerful solitude on a mountain, where the Lord appeared to him. Matthew baptized the wife and the son of the prince of Ethiopia, at which the prince became greatly enraged and dispatched a guard to bring Matthew to him for trial. The soldiers returned to the prince saying that they had heard Matthew’s voice, but could not see him with their eyes. The prince then sent a second guard. When this guard approached the apostle, he shone with a heavenly light so powerful that the soldiers could not look at him; filled with fear, they threw down their weapons and returned. The prince then went himself. Matthew radiated such light that the prince was instantly blinded. However, the holy apostle had a compassionate heart; he prayed to God, and the prince was given back his sight. Unfortunately, he saw only with physical eyes and not spiritual eyes. He arrested Matthew and subjected him to cruel tortures. Twice, a large fire was lighted on his chest, but the power of God preserved him alive and unharmed. Then the apostle prayed to God and gave up his spirit. The prince commanded that the martyr’s body be placed in a lead coffin and thrown into the sea. The saint appeared to Bishop Plato and told him where the coffin bearing his body could be found. The bishop retrieved the coffin with Matthew’s body from the sea. Witnessing this new miracle, the prince was baptized and received the name Matthew. After that, the prince left all the vanity of the world and became a presbyter and served the Church in a God-pleasing way. When Plato died, the Apostle Matthew appeared to the presbyter Matthew and counseled him to accept the episcopacy. He accepted the bishopric and, for many years, was a good shepherd until the Lord called him to His Immortal Kingdom. St. Matthew the Apostle wrote his Gospel in the Aramaic language. It was soon after translated into Greek and the Greek text has come down to us, while the Aramaic text has been lost. It is said of this evangelist that he never ate meat, but only vegetables and fruit. https://www.gometropolis.org//the-holy-apostle-matthew-th/

04.01.2022 Today we commemorate the Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Gabriel. Gabriel is the herald of the Incarnation of the Son of God. He is one of the seven archangels who stand before the throne of God. He appeared to Zacharias to announce the birth of the Forerunner. Gabriel said of himself: I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God (Luke 1:19). His name Gabriel means man-God. The Holy Fathers, in speaking of the Annunciation, comment that an archangel with such a name was se...nt to signify Who He was, and what He would be like, Who would be born of the All-pure one. He would be the God-man, the mighty and powerful God. Some of the Fathers understood that this same Gabriel appeared to Joachim and Anna concerning the birth of the Virgin Mary, and that Gabriel instructed Moses in the wilderness to write the Book of Genesis. The Holy Fathers say that Gabriel belongs to the first and greatest order of heavenly powers, that is, the Seraphim, since the Seraphim stand closest to God. He is, therefore, one of the seven Seraphim closest to God. The names of the seven are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salathiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel. To this number some add Jeremiel. Each one has his own particular service and all are equal in honor. Why did God not send Michael? Because Michael’s service is to suppress the enemies of the Faith of God, while Gabriel’s is the mission of announcing the salvation of mankind. https://www.gometropolis.org//synaxis-of-the-holy-archang/

03.01.2022 Today we commemorate Catherine the Holy Great Martyr of Alexandria. Catherine was the daughter of King Constus. After the death of her father, she lived with her mother in Alexandria. Her mother was secretly a Christian who, through her spiritual father, brought Catherine to the Christian Faith. In a vision, St. Catherine received a ring from the Lord Jesus Himself as a sign of her betrothal to Him. This ring remains on her finger even today. Catherine was greatly gifted by G...od and was well educated in Greek philosophy, medicine, rhetoric and logic. In addition to that, she was of unusual physical beauty. When the iniquitous Emperor Maxentius offered sacrifices to the idols and ordered others to do the same, Catherine boldly confronted the emperor and denounced his idolatrous errors. The emperor, seeing that she was greater than he in wisdom and knowledge, summoned fifty of his wisest men to debate with her on matters of faith and to put her to shame. Catherine outwitted and shamed them. In a rage, the emperor ordered all fifty of those men burned. By St. Catherine’s prayers, all fifty confessed the name of Christ and declared themselves Christians before their execution. After Catherine had been put in prison, she converted the emperor’s commander, Porphyrius, and two hundred soldiers to the true Faith, as well as Empress Augusta-Vasilissa herself. They all suffered for Christ. During the torture of St. Catherine, an angel of God came to her and destroyed the wheel on which the holy virgin was being tortured. Afterward, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself appeared to her and comforted her. After many tortures, Catherine was beheaded at the age of eighteen, on November 24, 310. Milk, instead of blood, flowed from her body. Her miracle-working relics repose on Mount Sinai. https://www.gometropolis.org//catherine-the-holy-great-ma/

03.01.2022 A GREAT AND JOYOUS DAY At the Parish of Evangelismos in Perth Western Australia, 5 adults were recently baptised into the Orthodox Faith. His Grace Bishop Elpi...dios of Kyaneon presided over the baptism services and was assisted by the Parish Priest, Fr Emmanuel Stamatiou. Following their Baptism & Chrismation and having participated in the Sacrament of Confession all the newly enlightened received the Sacrament of Holy Communion. All the newly enlightened underwent a thorough two year catechism course with Fr Emmanuel. The newly baptised received the names Stefanos, Irini, Agapitos, Mihaela and Kassiani. Following the sacrament of Baptism the families, friends and parishioners along with the Clergy enjoyed a lunch in the Church Hall in a blessed, holy and joyous atmosphere. This was then followed with the Sacrament of Marriage for the two couples Stefanos & Irini and Agapitos & Mihaela. During the service, His Grace stated, today marks a special moment since all five have officially entered the Orthodox Church through the Sacrament of Baptism and all are experiencing a personal Pentecost through the Sacrament of Chrismation since each have received the Holy Spirit. Finally His Grace conveyed to all the blessings and paternal love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios. There is a great interest in the Orthodox Faith and if we are ready to receive those knocking on our door they will renew the fervour of faith with those baptised in the Church as infants bringing new life and energy to the whole Body of the Church by the Grace of God.

03.01.2022 Today we commemorate the Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised The Holy Great Martyr Euphemia the All-Praised was the daughter of Christians, the senator Philophronos and Theodosia. She suffered for Christ in the year 304 in the city of Chalcedon, on the banks of the Bosphorus opposite Constantinople. The Chalcedon governor Priscus circulated an order to all the inhabitants of Chalcedon and its surroundings to appear at a pagan festival to worship and offer sacrifice to an ido...Continue reading

03.01.2022 Our next podcast from Thursday night bible study is available. Listen it to our parish priest Fr Emmanuel Stamatiou.

03.01.2022 Today we commemorate Saint Kyriakos the Hermit of Palestine. St Kyriakos was born in Corinth in 448 AD. He went to Palestine to the Lavra of Euthymius the Great, but because of his youth was sent by St Euthymius to St Gerasimus; after the death of St Gerasimus he returned to the Lavra of St Euthymius. Later he took on a more rigorous life of asceticism in the wilderness of Natoufa, where there was nothing to eat except the exceedingly bitter wild herb call squills, which, however, through his prayers, God made sweet for him and his disciple. He lived 107 years and reposed in the year 555 AD. http://www.greekorthodox.org.au/

02.01.2022 Today we commemorate Eustathius the Great Martyr, his wife and two children. The holy Martyr Eustathius before his baptism was an illustrious Roman general named Placidas in the days of the Emperor Trajan. While hunting in the country one day, he was converted to the Faith of Christ through the apparition of an uncommonly majestic stag, between whose antlers he saw the Cross of Christ, and through which the Lord spoke to him with a human voice. Upon returning home, he learned... that his wife Tatiana had also had a vision in which she was instructed to become a Christian. They sought out the Bishop of the Christians and were baptized, Placidas receiving the name Eustathius, and Tatiana the name Theopiste; their two sons were baptized Agapius and Theopistus. The family was then subjected to such trials as Job endured. Their servants died, all their goods were stolen, and on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem they were scattered abroad, each not even knowing if the others were still alive. By the providence of God, they were united again after many years, and returned to Rome in glory. Nevertheless, when they refused to sacrifice to the idols-a public sacrifice from which no Roman general could be absent-the Emperor Hadrian, who had succeeded Trajan, had them put into a large bronze device in the shape of a bull, which was heated with fire until they died. When their holy bodies were removed, they were found to be without harm. They suffered martyrdom about the year 126. https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=211

02.01.2022 Today the Church remembers the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council under the holy Patriarch Tarasius (February 25). The Synod of 787, the second to meet at Nicea, refuted the Iconoclast heresy during the reign of Empress Irene and her son Constantine VI. The Council decreed that the veneration of icons was not idolatry (Exodus 20:4-5), because the honor shown to them is not directed to the wood or paint, but passes to the prototype (the person depicted). It als...o upheld the possibility of depicting Christ, Who became man and took flesh at His Incarnation. The Father, on the other hand, cannot be represented in His eternal nature, because no man has seen God at any time (John 1:18). In Greek practice, the holy God-bearing Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council are commorated on October 11 (if it is a Sunday), or on the Sunday which follows October 11. According to the Slavic MENAION, however, if the eleventh falls on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, the service is moved to the preceding Sunday. https://www.oca.org//70-commemoration-of-the-holy-fathers-

02.01.2022 On the Third Sunday of Great and Holy Lent, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Services include a special veneration of the Cross, which prepares the faithful for the commemoration of the Crucifixion during Holy Week. Apolytikion O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance; grant victory to the faithful over their adversaries. And protect Your commonwealth, by the power of Your Cross. ... https://www.goarch.org/sunday-venerationcross

01.01.2022 Today we commemorate Andrew the First-Called Apostle. This Saint was from Bethsaida of Galilee; he was the son of Jonas and the brother of Peter, the chief of the Apostles. He had first been a disciple of John the Baptist; afterwards, on hearing the Baptist's witness concerning Jesus, when he pointed Him out with his finger and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1.29,36), he straightway followed Christ, and became His first disciple; ...wherefore he is called the First-called of the Apostles. After the Ascension of the Saviour, he preached in various lands; and having suffered many things for His Name's sake, he died in Patras of Achaia, where he was crucified on a cross in the shape of an "X," the first letter of "Christ" in Greek; this cross is also the symbol of Saint Andrew. https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=316