Despite the inclement weather, the faithful of our community turned out in big numbers for the Divine Liturgy at St.Sava College on the 7th of September. His Grace Bishop Siluan, was joined by His Eminence Basilios of the Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Australia, Bishop Jakovos of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Bishop Longin of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Chicago, the venerable Abbot of Hilandar monastery Fr.Metodije and over 50 clergymen from all over Australia. Responses were sung by the Russian Male Choir of Strathfield Russian Cathedral and the St.Lazarus Choir from Alexandria.
The half completed College Chapel was full to overflowing. The 20 strong Russian Male Choir included a selection of some of the most beuatiful Russian compositions for the occasion, many of which, although unknown to most of the faithful, nevertheless warmed the hearts of their Slavic kin. The acoustics in the chapel are exceptional, and the effortless singing of both choirs “lifted the hearts” of all assembled.
In his sermon at the conclusion of the service, Bishop Siluan stressed that the mission of our future school is to fulfill its motto. St.Sava, our teacher of the Path to Life, is our heavenly intercessor, today as much as he has been over the centuries. Through his prayers, we will in the near future complete stage one of the College, and in opening its doors, bring our children into Christ’s loving embrace.
