St Haralambos Greek Orthodox Parish Templestowe and Doncaster in Templestowe, Victoria, Australia | Eastern Orthodox church

St Haralambos Greek Orthodox Parish Templestowe and Doncaster

Locality: Templestowe, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9846 4066

Address: 190 Porter Street, Templestowe 3106 Templestowe, VIC, Australia

Website: https://www.stharalambos.org.au

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25.01.2022 Please note, some changes have been made to this weeks Parish calendar. An updated email has been sent to all who subscribe to our emails - visit www.stharalambos.org.au and scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe to our weekly updates. Monday 24 August: Bible studies via Zoom with Fr Antonio 7pm. Email us for the zoom link at [email protected] Tuesday 25 August: Paraklesis to the Theotokos, followed by a short reflection on the Gospel reading 6pm... Wednesday 26 August: Paraklesis to St Haralambos, followed by a short reflection on the Gospel reading 5.30pm Thursday 27 August: Neolaia - Young adult discussion group (18-25yo) with Fr Elias via Zoom 7.30pm. Email us for the zoom link at [email protected] Saturday 29 August: Beheading of the Holy, and Glorious Prophet, St John the Baptist, Matins and Divine Liturgy 8-10am Strict Fast on this day (oil allowed) Sunday 30 August: 12th Sunday of Matthew, Matins and Divine Liturgy 8-11am Monday 31 August: The Placing of the Honorable Sash of the Most Holy Theotokos, Matins and Divine Liturgy 8-11am Please note, that due to government restrictions, the church is not open to the public for any church services (see above note for more info). These services will be live streamed on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg/ Please subscribe and click on the little bell to receive email notifications when a new live video begins!

25.01.2022 " ", . , ... . In the premiere of the series of episodes Our people their stories, Fr Steven Scoutas shares with us his personal memories, giving valuable testimonies about the history of the Church and the Greek Diaspora in Australia. Please Turn On Captions for English Subtitles. See more

25.01.2022 Please sign the petition to reopen our churches https://www.equalityforfaith.com.au/

23.01.2022 https://youtu.be/zH8a6BcFATI

22.01.2022 https://panorthodoxsynod.blogspot.com//australian-religiou

20.01.2022 Today as we celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos, we pray that she continues to watch over us all and intercede for us always. to all celebrating today! Many requested candles to be lit today for their family and loved ones. Our church was lit up by your candles today. We pray that our Lord continues to watch over you and your family and heal our world by His Grace. If you would like to have a candle lit on your behalf and names read during the service, click here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

19.01.2022 Pray and then speak. That’s what to do with your children. If you are constantly lecturing them, you’ll become tiresome and when they grow up they’ll feel a ki...nd of oppression. Prefer prayer and speak to them through prayer. Speak to God and God will speak to their hearts. That is, you shouldn’t give guidance to your children with a voice that they hear with their ears. You may do this too, but above all you should speak to God about your children. Say, Lord Jesus Christ, give Your light to my children. I entrust them to You. You gave them to me, but I am weak and unable to guide them, so, please, illuminate them. And God will speak to them and they will say to themselves, Oh dear, I shouldn’t have upset Mummy by doing that! And with the grace of God this will come from their heart. From Wounded by love: The Life and the Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios.

19.01.2022 Sunday 13th September- Matins, Divine Liturgy now Live streaming on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/sADQyVjhE_E C H U R C H. A T T E N D A N C E ... Please note that all services are closed to the public during stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions. As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

19.01.2022 Vespers TONIGHT 5.30pm live streamed on our YouTube channel https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg/ Many have asked about candle lighting at tomorrows service. This can be done here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving... You may also wish to make a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation

19.01.2022 Saint Stylianos The Protector of Children A living pillar of abstinence, an immovable pillar of the Church, you showed yourself to be blessed Stylianos, havi...ng been dedicated to God from your youth, you were perceived to be a dwelling-place of the Spirit. O Venerable Father, entreat Christ God, to grant us the great mercy + Apolytikion in the Third Tone Read more about the life of Saint Stylianos here: www.saintstylianos.org.au/st-stylianos/

18.01.2022 This community relief program feeds over 500, and their supplies are very low. Please support them if you can.

17.01.2022 Sunday 16th August - Matins, Divine Liturgy now Live streaming on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/p_HiDXS9SeQ... C H U R C H. A T T E N D A N C E Please note that all services are closed to the public during stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions. As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

17.01.2022 { PANAGIA GORGOEPIKOOS MONASTERY BOOK CLUB } Mother Kallisthenis has given a blessing to FrJohn Frangos to coordinate a book club. The purpose is to discuss a s...piritual book each month. Assisted by a team of volunteers of a wide range of ages, the first book we will review is Wounded by Love by Saint Porphyrios. The session is for both people who have, and have not read the book. Wounded by Love by Saint Porphyrios is available via our bookstore: https://www.gorgoepikoos.org.au/bookstore (in the search bar, enter the title) To register for our first session on 21 September at 7pm, please click on the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZEuf-6vqzovGtVjdpFFFCT91kb2nEKc5 Book Club video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJPewEhQ0Os&feature=youtu.be

17.01.2022 N E O L A I A - DISCUSSION GROUP FOR 18-25yo THURS 10 SEP, 7.30pm via ZOOM This weeks discussion topic is: THE 10 COMMANDMENTS... Learn about how the 10 commandments relate to us in 2020, and are still a guide to spiritual health for us today. We will also have opportunity for discussion on various other topics with Fr Elias. Email us at [email protected] for the zoom link

16.01.2022 Sunday 30th August - Matins, Divine Liturgy now Live streaming on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/ludxWo3ic3k C H U R C H. A T T E N D A N C E ... Please note that all services are closed to the public during stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions. As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

15.01.2022 N E O L A I A - DISCUSSION GROUP FOR 18-25yo THURS 27 AUG, 7.30pm via ZOOM This weeks discussion topic is FORGIVENESS. Learn about the importance and power of forgiveness with Fr Elias via zoom. Email us at [email protected] for the zoom link

14.01.2022 Sunday 9th August Matins, Divine Liturgy now Live streaming on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/qr9AC-ZUECc C H U R C H. A T T E N D A N C E ... Please note that all services are closed to the public during stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions. As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

14.01.2022 P A R A K L E S I S - TOMORROW 4pm Please note tomorrow, Tuesday 11 August, Paraklesis will be live streamed at 4pm (not 5pm as originally planned). Access the live stream through our YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg

14.01.2022 Dear Friends, We have received an enormous amount of enquires about our next scheduled outreach day and for grocery donations. We thank you so much. If you are ...planning on organising an online supermarket order please schedule your delivery to be made by Thursday 15th of October before 5pm. Deliveries are accepted Monday- Thursday 10am-5pm. Delivery address is: Welfare Centre 7 Hartington St Northcote, Vic, 3070 Alternatively you can contribute by donating to: National Bank Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Consolidated Trust-District of Northcote Bsb: 082135 Acc: 421289455 Financial help assists us in bulk buying some items from markets such as fruit and vegies.

13.01.2022 Sunday 16th August - Feast Day of St Joseph the Hesychast and St Gerasimus of Cephalonia, Matins, Divine Liturgy now Live streaming on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/Jltd855T3LI C H U R C H. A T T E N D A N C E ... Please note that all services are closed to the public during stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions. As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving Life of St Joseph the Hesychast https://www.stanthonysmonastery.org//our/saint-joseph.html St Joseph the Hesychast Movie https://youtu.be/IqDsvmNSG9Q

13.01.2022 ST. CATHERINE THE GREAT MARTYR Commemorated today, 25 November St. Catherine was born during the latter part of the third century in Alexandria in Egypt. Being of royal lineage, she was immersed in the great cultural tradition of Alexandria and was exposed to learning at an early age. Tall, beautiful, cultured, and erudite, Catherine was held in high esteem for her mastery of the arts and sciences of her time. Innately intelligent and inquisitive, she acquainted herself wit...Continue reading

12.01.2022 P A R A K L E S I S ~ TO THE THEOTOKOS FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 5.30pm Tomorrows Paraklesis to the Theotokos will be live streamed at 5.30pm on our YouTube channel. This will be followed by a reading on the Saint of the day and a short reflection on tomorrows Gospel reading. ... YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg O Protection of Christians that never falls, intercession with the Creator that never fails, we sinners beg you, do not ignore the voices of our prayers. O good Lady, we implore you, quickly come unto our aid, when we cry out to you with faith. Hurry to intercession, and hasten to supplication, O Theotokos who protect now and ever those who honor you. ~ excerpt from the Small Paraklesis Find the service booklet here: https://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/dcs.html As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

12.01.2022 Exciting news for families with young children Start following St Ypomoni Family and Friends Ministry for Mini Me Fellowship and other family oriented ministry initiatives.

11.01.2022 Do you subscribe to our weekly Parish Newsletter? You can subscribe or read our latest newsletter here http://eepurl.com/hgfhdL

10.01.2022 P A R A K L E S I S ~ TO ST HARALAMBOS WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST 5.30pm Todays Paraklesis to St Haralambos will be live streamed at 5.30pm. This will be followed by a reading on the Saint of the day and a short reflection on todays Gospel reading. ... YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg St Haralambos has a special gift of healing pestilent diseases, and has often halted the epidemics of typhus, cholera and the plague. This gift of his is attributed to the final prayer which he prayed during his martyrdom: If it pleases Your goodness to ask a gift of You, I beseech Your majesty and dominion to grant this favor: to whomsoever should find or possess a portion of my relics, and in whichsoever land he may be celebrating the memory of my martyrdom, may he never suffer from hunger or plague or pestilence or an untimely death Since the time of his martyrdom, numerous miracles of healing from disease have been attributed to him, and especially to places where his relics visited. Among these, he delivered the island of Zakynthos from black plague in 1728. the city of Epirus from the plague in 1812. the village of Avra in Kalambaka from scarlet fever in 1930. Mount Athos from a deadly epidemic in 1908. Read more here: http://stjohngoc.org/get-to-know-st-haralamabos/ As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

10.01.2022 P A R A K L E S I S ~ TO ST HARALAMBOS WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 5.30pm Todays Paraklesis to St Haralambos will be live streamed at 5.30pm. This will be followed by a reading on the Saint of the day and a short reflection on todays Gospel reading. ... YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg St Haralambos has a special gift of healing pestilent diseases, and has often halted the epidemics of typhus, cholera and the plague. This gift of his is attributed to the final prayer which he prayed during his martyrdom: If it pleases Your goodness to ask a gift of You, I beseech Your majesty and dominion to grant this favor: to whomsoever should find or possess a portion of my relics, and in whichsoever land he may be celebrating the memory of my martyrdom, may he never suffer from hunger or plague or pestilence or an untimely death Since the time of his martyrdom, numerous miracles of healing from disease have been attributed to him, and especially to places where his relics visited. Among these, he delivered the island of Zakynthos from black plague in 1728. the city of Epirus from the plague in 1812. the village of Avra in Kalambaka from scarlet fever in 1930. Mount Athos from a deadly epidemic in 1908. Read more here: http://stjohngoc.org/get-to-know-st-haralamabos/ As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

10.01.2022 P A R A K L E S I S ~ TO ST HARALAMBOS WEDNESDAY 12 AUGUST 5.30pm Tomorrows Paraklesis to St Haralambos will be live streamed at 5.30pm (not 6pm as originally planned). This will be followed by a reading on the Saint of the day and a short reflection on todays Gospel reading. ... YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg St Haralambos has a special gift of healing pestilent diseases, and has often halted the epidemics of typhus, cholera and the plague. This gift of his is attributed to the final prayer which he prayed during his martyrdom: If it pleases Your goodness to ask a gift of You, I beseech Your majesty and dominion to grant this favor: to whomsoever should find or possess a portion of my relics, and in whichsoever land he may be celebrating the memory of my martyrdom, may he never suffer from hunger or plague or pestilence or an untimely death Since the time of his martyrdom, numerous miracles of healing from disease have been attributed to him, and especially to places where his relics visited. Among these, he delivered the island of Zakynthos from black plague in 1728. the city of Epirus from the plague in 1812. the village of Avra in Kalambaka from scarlet fever in 1930. Mount Athos from a deadly epidemic in 1908. Read more here: http://stjohngoc.org/get-to-know-st-haralamabos/ As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

09.01.2022 Sunday 18th October - Matins, Divine Liturgy now Live streaming on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/Wdjtbr9nJCY C H U R C H. A T T E N D A N C E ... Please note that all services are closed to the public during stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions. As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

09.01.2022 Here is a list of pantry needs: 1. Coffee 2. Sugar (small packs) 3. Oil (small bottles)... 4. Juices 5. Morning fresh or Alternatives 6. Toothpaste 7. Shampoo 8. Laundry powder 9. Hand soap 10. Toilet paper 11. Cereal 12. Long Life Milk. 13. Flour Alternatively you can contribute by donating to: National Bank Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Consolidated Trust-Northcote District of Northcote Bsb: 082135 Acc: 421289455

09.01.2022 NEW ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM IS NOW LIVE! We thank you for your continual love and patience over the last few weeks with the booking of liturgies at our Parish. As you will be aware, as part of the easing of restrictions, the Parish is now able to have up to 150 Parishioners attend any services. We have now set up an online booking service using a program called trybooking.com. ... To ensure all Parishioners have an opportunity to attend on a Sunday, we ask you not to book consecutive Sundays to allow others to also attend. However, you are welcome to book many weekday or Saturday services if you can attend these. Please assist any elderly family, friends or neighbours who may need assistance with this process. If you require assistance with registration please email [email protected] (Please leave your name, contact number, number & names of people attending, and date of liturgy). We look forward to seeing you all in our Parish again! To book in a service, please click here: https://www.stharalambos.org.au/online-bookings Please note, if you have booked a liturgy and cannot attend, we ask you to cancel the booking as soon as possible, which can be done through the confirmation email, as this will allow others to attend instead. If you have already booked any of the listed services via email or phone, prior to the online booking system being set up, you will already be booked into that service, please do not rebook. Please remember social distancing rules, bring a mask and note that temperatures will be taken upon arrival.

08.01.2022 Click here to read or subscribe our weekly Parish Newsletter http://eepurl.com/hfF7zv

08.01.2022 During these trying times, it can be difficult not to be able to physically attend church and share in the communion of our St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church. One of the first things we generally do when entering our church is to light a candle and say a prayer. We have set up a virtual candle lighting service for you! A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish of St Haralambos Church, Templestowe. Please click on this link https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving for further details. You may also wish to make a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation

08.01.2022 Sunday 4th October - Matins, Divine Liturgy now Live streaming on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/Y5HzyVnwMtk C H U R C H. A T T E N D A N C E ... Please note that all services are closed to the public during stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions. As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

08.01.2022 P A R A K L E S I S ~ TO ST HARALAMBOS WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 5.30pm Todays Paraklesis to St Haralambos will be live streamed at 5.30pm (not 6pm as originally planned). This will be followed by a reading on the Saint of the day and a short reflection on todays Gospel reading. ... YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg St Haralambos has a special gift of healing pestilent diseases, and has often halted the epidemics of typhus, cholera and the plague. This gift of his is attributed to the final prayer which he prayed during his martyrdom: If it pleases Your goodness to ask a gift of You, I beseech Your majesty and dominion to grant this favor: to whomsoever should find or possess a portion of my relics, and in whichsoever land he may be celebrating the memory of my martyrdom, may he never suffer from hunger or plague or pestilence or an untimely death Since the time of his martyrdom, numerous miracles of healing from disease have been attributed to him, and especially to places where his relics visited. Among these, he delivered the island of Zakynthos from black plague in 1728. the city of Epirus from the plague in 1812. the village of Avra in Kalambaka from scarlet fever in 1930. Mount Athos from a deadly epidemic in 1908. Read more here: http://stjohngoc.org/get-to-know-st-haralamabos/ As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

07.01.2022 On the 29th August we commemorate the beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John. The end of his life is recorded in Holy Scripture in ...the books of Matthew and Mark. He was imprisoned by Herod Antipas and two other rulers. Saint John denounced Herod for leaving his wife and beginning a relationship with his sister in law, Herodias. On the day of his birthday, Herod hosted a feast and Herodias daughter began entertaining the guests. As a thank you, Herod wanted to gift her whatever she wanted. The daughter set off to ask her mother what she should ask for, and Herodias - as revenge for Saint Johns judgement - responded that she wanted the head of Saint John on a platter. Herod feared that by doing this, he would suffer strong consequences given how faithful Saint John was and how many people respected him, but he didnt want to disappoint therefore he ordered for the Saint to be executed. Today is a strict fast day because of the grief of Christians as a result of the violent death of the Saint. Apolytikion of Beheading of the Forerunner (Second Tone) The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lords testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; for thou hast proved to be truly even more venerable than the Prophets, since thou was granted to baptize in the running waters Him Whom they proclaimed. Wherefore, having contested for the truth, thou didst rejoice to announce the good tidings even to those in Hades: that God hath appeared in the flesh, taking away the sin of the world and granting us great mercy. Kontakion of Beheading of the Forerunner (Plagal of the First Tone) The glorious beheading of the Forerunner was a certain divine dispensation, that the coming of the Saviour might also be preached to those in Hades. Let Herodias lament, then, that she demanded a wicked murder; for she loved not the Law of God, nor eternal life, but one false and fleeting. Other Commemorations: - Saint Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy - Saint Arkadios the Wonderworker, Bishop of Arsinoe, Cyprus - Venerable Theodora and her daughter Theopiste - Deposition of the Holy Relics of Saint Joseph Samakos the Sanctified (1669) Bible Readings: Matthew 14:1-13 Acts 13:25-33 Mark 6:14-30

07.01.2022 On the 15th August we commemorate the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God. When Our Lord was crucified, He told His disciple John to look after His mother, Beh...old your son! Behold your mother! And from then on the Apostle took care of her in his home. It is confirmed in Holy Scriptures that The Virgin Mary was with the Holy Apostles on the day of Pentecost, and she continued a ministry in word and deed. At the time of her death, all the disciples - apart from Apostle Thomas - who were preaching around the world returned to Jerusalem to see her. Even the Apostle Paul was gathered at her bedside. Jesus descended as she passed, and carried her soul into heaven. The Theotokos body was taken and laid in a tomb near the Garden of Gethsemane. When the Apostle Thomas arrived three days later to visit her tomb, it was found to be empty. She appeared to the Apostles and and an angel advised them of her assumption into heaven. Apolytikion (First Tone) In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions. Kontakion (Second Tone) Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life. The Icon of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos illustrates her on her deathbed surrounded by all the Apostles. Christ is standing in the centre looking at her and holding a small child clothed in white which is said to represent the soul of the Theotokos. Christ is depicted in His divine glory with His surroundings. Other Commemorations: - Saint Macarius the Roman - Icon of Sophia, the Wisdom of God - Enlightener of Minds Icon of the Mother of God Bible Readings: Luke 1:39-56 Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

06.01.2022 Daily Reflections on Panagia A prayer by Saint Nektarios: Take away from me, O Virgin, the fetters of sin,... of my lusts and other transgressions: the terrible carelessness and the overcaring, the evil curiosity and the talkativeness, the useless incontinence and the haughtiness, the negligence, the drunkenness and the lack of mercy, the bad desires, the terrible impurity, the extravagance, the darkness, the great insensitivity. Take away the tendency to say jokes, the enjoyment, the prodigality. The laughter of immorality and every evil. Give me, O maiden, fasting, carefulness, vigilance and perfect obedience. Give me carefulness in all and acute discernment, silence, order and holy patience. Grant to me, O Lady, eagerness to work and to attain my perfection, and zeal for virtues and exercise. Keep, O most-holy One, my soul, my heart and my mind in holiness and guard it in virginity

05.01.2022 Sunday 11th October - Matins, Divine Liturgy now Live streaming on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/44lpMOwuw60 C H U R C H. A T T E N D A N C E ... Please note that all services are closed to the public during stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions. As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

05.01.2022 Elevation of the Venerable and Life Giving Cross Monday 14th September- Matins, Divine Liturgy now Live streaming on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/oz2hf-CTRTk... C H U R C H. A T T E N D A N C E Please note that all services are closed to the public during stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions. As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

05.01.2022 Please note that grocery items can be dropped off at St Haralambos Church when you attend for your booked service, and we will deliver the items on your behalf. Please ensure all food donations are within date and non perishable as we do not have fridges etc to store items. If you, or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to make contact with the welfare centre for assistance.

05.01.2022 Have you wondered why the priest and alter servers circle the congregation? Learn the meaning behind the Small and Great Entrance. #traditionexplained

05.01.2022 These services will be live streamed every week on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg C H U R C H. A T T E N D A N C E Please note that all services are closed to the public during stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions. ... As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

05.01.2022 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT As you may have heard, Melbourne is going into lock down again as of midnight Wednesday 8 July. This means that unfortunately WE ARE HAVING TO CANCEL ALL BOOKINGS TO ATTEND CHURCH SERVICES FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT 6 WEEKS, AS ALL SERVICES WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. These are the changes that apply to us as a place of worship:... Religious ceremonies and private worship: broadcast only Weddings: up to 5 people (couple, two witnesses and celebrant) Funerals: Up to 10 people, plus those conducting the funeral Attending a wedding or funeral is a permitted reason to leave home If you require extra support during this difficult time, the Archdiocese of Australia have put extra resources into the Greek Orthodox Welfare Centre, located in Northcote, to support our community at this time. They can be contacted either by phone: 9486 6588 or email: [email protected] Attached is the lock down restrictions document effective 9 July. Please note that page one of the document refers to regional Victoria only, and page two applies to Metropolitan Melbourne. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au//200707-Statement-From-The-

04.01.2022 Tonight at 6pm, Paraklesis to the Theotokos in English, followed by English liturgy, will be live on our YouTube channel

04.01.2022 We are in the process of finalising a simple online booking system to attend any of our Parish services and expect it to be available by the end of this week. Sign up to our newsletter today to be notified as soon as it is live, and to receive the link delivered straight to your inbox. Please remember to help elderly parents, friends and neighbours to book services if they require the assistance. To sign up to the newsletter, visit www.stharalambos.org.au and scroll to the bottom of our homepage. We look forward to seeing many of you back in our Parish soon!

04.01.2022 On the 14th September we celebrate the Elevation of the Holy Cross. It is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church and is also referred to as the Exaltati...on of the Cross. The Cross of the Crucifixion was found by Saint Helen, mother of Saint Constantine the Great, on Golgotha in the year 326 AD after he sent her there on a mission to venerate the places sanctified by Jesus presence and to find the precious Cross. She struggled at first, but eventually found her way. When the Cross was found, beside it were two other crosses - used to crucify the two thieves on either side of Christ. The sign with the inscription Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews, lay among all three. A sick woman was told to kiss each of the three crosses to determine which one was the True Cross. When she kissed the first and second, nothing happened. But when she kissed the True Cross she was immediately healed. At that time, a funeral was passing and the body of the dead man was placed on each of the crosses. Again, when it was placed on the True Cross, the dead man came to life, that is how it was given the name Life-Giving Cross. On the spot where the cross was discovered Saint Helen also found an unknown flower of rare beauty and fragrance which has now been named basil, because vasiliko in Greek means of the King, in other words, royalty. All the Christian witnesses chanted Kyrie Eleison and influenced the Patriarch Makarios to elevate the Cross so the entire crowd could cast their eyes on it. The Persians captured the Cross of Christ in 614 AD but it was then recovered by the forces of the Byzantine Empire in 627 AD. Today is a strict fast day. Other Commemorations: - Repose of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople - Monastic Martyr Macarius of Dionysiou, Mount Athos - Monastic Martyr Joseph of Dionysiou, Mount Athos - Icon of the Mother of God of Lesna - Repose of Saint Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia Bible Readings: John 12:28-36, 19:6-30 1 Corinthians 1:18-24

04.01.2022 PARAKLESIS NOW LIVE STREAMING HERE: https://youtu.be/yPiOPvy1tjo During these trying times, it can be difficult not to be able to physically attend church and share in the communion of our St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church. One of the first things we generally do when entering our church is to light a candle and say a prayer.... We have set up a virtual candle lighting service for you! A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish of St Haralambos Church, Templestowe. Please click on this link https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving for further details. You may also wish to make a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation

04.01.2022 P A R A K L E S I S ~ TO THE THEOTOKOS in English Tuesday 8 September 6pm All those who for refuge flee with faith unto you, O good one, you shelter beneath your mighty hand. We your servants have no other intercessor like you always praying to God for us in dangers and sorrows, sinners that we are, bent down because of many misdeeds. Therefore, we fall prostrate before you. Rescue us from every affliction, since you are the Mother of the Most High... ~ excerpt from the Small Paraklesis Tonights Paraklesis to the Theotokos will be live streamed at 6pm on our YouTube channel. This will be followed by a short reflection on the Gospel reading. YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg Find the service booklet here: https://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/dcs.html As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

03.01.2022 Message from Archbishop Makarios of Australia concerning International Youth Day Today is dedicated to the youth; to the most active and creative building blo...ck of any society, to the most beautiful and fragrant blossom that adorns the garden of humanity. It may seem trite but we must repeat it at every opportunity: Our young people are our hope for the future. With this admission, comes a great responsibility for all of us: Firstly, to listen to our young people; to listen to their anxieties and to share their concerns. And then to try and meet their needs and, at the same time, to generously offer not only the material but primarily the spiritual provisions that will be useful for them to create a better world than the one they receive. In other words, we have a responsibility to give them their space in the present world. The space they need and the space that they deserve. Personally, from the moment I arrived in Australia, I have prioritised to direct the focus and resources of our Holy Archdiocese to provide support and spiritual guidance to the young people of our community. Through a series of initiatives, we have tried as a local Church, with our local Bishops and priests, to reduce the distances and break down the barriers in order to bring the new generation closer to the way of Christ. We have tried to inspire the new generation but we also rely on the enthusiasm and joy of our youth. So, on the occasion of this International Day, I feel the need to reaffirm my confidence in the youth and to pledge that their voice will always be heard in the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. Our Church will always have her arms open to embrace them with affection, to empower them, to give them the space they need, to give them a say and a role for the future. Above all, to give them Christ.

03.01.2022 Dormition of the Theotokos today from 8am live streamed on our YouTube channel https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg/ Many have asked about candle lighting at tomorrows service. This can be done here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving... You may also wish to make a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation

03.01.2022 P A R A K L E S I S ~ TO THE THEOTOKOS Tuesday 25 AUGUST 6pm All those who for refuge flee with faith unto you, O good one, you shelter beneath your mighty hand. We your servants have no other intercessor like you always praying to God for us in dangers and sorrows, sinners that we are, bent down because of many misdeeds. ... Therefore, we fall prostrate before you. Rescue us from every affliction, since you are the Mother of the Most High ~ excerpt from the Small Paraklesis Tonights Paraklesis to the Theotokos will be live streamed at 6pm on our YouTube channel. This will be followed by a short reflection on the Gospel reading. YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFHGFZVIq_9oHLYva3Jdxg Find the service booklet here: https://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/dcs.html As Parishes are closed to parishioners at this time, please consider making a donation electronically, to help keep our Parish alive. Parishes in Australia operate solely on donations. https://www.stharalambos.org.au/donation A candle and a donation may be offered with the Parish by clicking the link. Names to be read at the service can also be provided here https://www.stharalambos.org.au/virtual-candle-giving

03.01.2022 Mrs. Dimitra Micos shares her memories with us, in the second episode of the series "Our people. Their stories" produced by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Au...stralia. . , " , " .

03.01.2022 CREDIT - David Psalmist Byzantine Choir, Presenting - The Heart of Byzantine Chant. ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN - 2021 VIC Chanting Program To enrol - https://forms.g...le/KQRoamRySgGHGE5m9 Open to males and females, the Victorian division of the Byzantine Music School of Australia (BMSA) is now accepting enrolments for the 2021 Chanting Program. Classes in English and Greek Program Delivery Locations Oakleigh Grammar - 77/81 Willesden Rd, Oakleigh St John's Preston - 21 Railway Place, Preston Online Learning The BMSA uses the state-of-the-art learning facilities at Oakleigh Grammar and St John Schools. We appreciate their ongoing support! This program trains and prepares students to actively participate in Church services like the Divine Liturgy. For more information, please email [email protected]

02.01.2022 N E O L A I A YOUNG ADULT DISCUSSION GROUP (18-25YO), THURS 13 AUGUST, VIA ZOOM (email us for the link!) Father Elias will host this weeks Neolaia zoom talk, at 7.30pm. Please email us at [email protected] for the link. ... Topic for discussion: The importance of Panayia. Panayia as our role model, our Spiritual Mother, and a discussion on the Dormition.

01.01.2022 Sunday 29th November - Matins and Divine Liturgy https://youtu.be/7L8QnEHW4Zw

01.01.2022 N E O L A I A - DISCUSSION GROUP FOR 18-25yo THIS WEEK: THURS 8 OCT, 7.30pm via ZOOM This week’s discussion topic is: Feeling unmotivated? How to overcome despondency with Orthodoxy. ... We’ve been in lockdown for a long time, and many of us are starting to feel tired, unmotivated and frustrated. Learn how to overcome these feelings using your Orthodox faith. We will also have opportunity for discussion on various other topics with Fr Elias. Email us at [email protected] for the zoom link

01.01.2022 St Matrona the blind is one of the more recently proclaimed Saints, whose icon is currently being written and will, God willing, be on our walls when restrictions are lifted.