Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
25 Aug 24: His Eminence George, Archbishop of Sydney Australia and New Zealand celebrate the feast of St Panteleimon at Gosford NSW
On Thursday 8 August and Friday 9 August we had services in honour of Great Martyr Panteleimon (+305 AD), the heavenly patron of our parish. All-night Vigil with the blessing of wheat, wine, oil and five loaves was served on Thursday evening. Concelebrating with the parish rector were Priest Simon Nekipelov, rector of All Saints of Russia parish, Croydon, and Deacon Michal Matys of the Wallsend parish.
The lesser blessing of water was served early on Friday morning, after which Archbishop George arrived with the wonder-working “Kursk-Root” Icon of the Mother of God. Friends from Sydney and Newcastle travelled to Gosford to venerate the icon and join in our celebrations.
Following the greeting and vesting of Archbishop George the Hours were read, during which our parishioner and senior altar-server Alexey Douriaguine was tonsured a reader. Archbishop George then presided at Divine Liturgy, assisted by our parish clergy, Archpriest James Carles and Protodeacon Martin Naef, and by Deacon Michal. The choir san beautifully under the direction of Ludmilla Alexandrovsky.
At the Small Entrance Father James was awarded the right to wear the jewelled pectoral cross. Following Divine Liturgy, a moleben to the Mother of God and Saint Panteleimon was served and parish awards were presented to a number of our parishioners and friends. At the conclusion of the services on Friday there was a festive meal in the church hall for those present.
St Panteleimon Parish Website
