Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
31 Mar 21: His Grace Bishop George celebrates the Divine Liturgy at St Sava’s College, Varroville
On Sunday, 28 March 2021, the second week of Great Lent, His Grace Bishop George of Canberra was invited to concelebrate the Divine Liturgy with His Grace Bishop Siluan of Australia and New Zealand of the Serbian Orthodox Church at St. Sava’s College, Varroville NSW.
Co-serving with the hierarchs were clerics of the Serbian Orthodox Church Archpriests: Nikola Bilić, Sasa Stojanović, and Goran Ćećez, Protodeacon Petar Mrakić, Deacon Miloš and Protodeacon Alexander Kotlaroff cleric of St’s Peter and Paul Cathedral Strathfield (ROCOR).
The Russian Orthodox Male Choir of Australia conducted by Reader Nektary Kotlaroff sang the Divine Liturgy reverently.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the clergy and the faithful proceeded to the front of the building where a cross was consecrated and erected on the tower of the College of St. Sava. As the cross was elevated, the choir sang ‘Lord, have mercy’ forty times.
During the sermon, His Grace Bishop Siluan pointed out that the opening of their first school on the fifth continent was a success for the entire Serbian Orthodox community and wished everyone a warm welcome to this historic moment for the school. Bishop Siluan greeted Bishop George, His Excellency Consul General of the Russian Federation Igor Arzhaev, Mr. Ivan Isidorović representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia and the benefactors of the College and expressed his gratitude for their love, care and support.
He also thanked the first principal Mrs. Nikolau together with the College staff for their dedicated work; the Russian Orthodox Male Choir of Australia for the wonderful singing which lifted the faithful to heaven and made them feel like envoys of Prince Vladimir; the College Board and subcommittees who made their vision a reality with their tireless work; his predecessors, blessed Bishop Milutin and Bishop Irinej; the Stegnjajić family who donated the cross for the tower and everyone who invested time, money and effort to open the first Serbian school in Australia.
His Grace also greeted the children that attend the College, emphasising that this school was built for their academic and spiritual education, for their approach to Christ, to feel Christ in their lives and have His strength and protection.
Following the service, a festive lunch was held at the Holy Great Martyr George Cathedral in Cabramatta.
