Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
11 Jan 25: His Eminence George Archbishop of Sydney, Australia, and New Zealand Leads Nativity of Christ Services at Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral
On 6th and 7th January 2025, the joyous occasion of the Nativity of Christ, His Eminence George, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia, and New Zealand, presided over the divine services at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Strathfield.His Eminence was co-served by the Cathedral clergy, while the altar was graced by 21 dedicated altar servers. The divine Liturgy began with the bishop’s vesting. Following the vesting, Vladyka George bestowed a special blessing upon three altar servers, granting them the honour of wearing the orarion.
The atmosphere of the service was elevated by the harmonious singing of the Cathedral choir, under the skilled direction of Andrei Laptev.
This celebration brought together more than 500 faithful, who filled the Cathedral to honour the birth of our Saviour. Majority of the faithful partook in the Holy Eucharist, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ.
Towards the end of the service, the Nativity Epistle of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York was read in Russian and English.
Following the service, the celebration continued with a performance by the parish children, led by Matushka Elizabeth Storozhev. The children sang traditional Nativity carols, spreading festive cheer and adding a delightful touch to the occasion.
The faithful departed from the church with their hearts filled with the joy and peace of the Nativity feast.
