Archbishop of Australia: Neither wealth nor poverty determines our salvation

Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Demetrios in St Marys, Sydney, on Sunday, November 1, 2026, addressing a large congregation gathered to celebrate the parish’s patron saint.

The Archbishop received a warm welcome from the faithful and offered his paternal blessings, invoking the intercessions of Saint Demetrios for the protection and spiritual well-being of parishioners and their families.

In his homily, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the Gospel parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31), emphasizing that neither wealth nor poverty determines a person’s salvation. Rather, what matters is one’s attitude toward God and others.

“The rich man is not condemned because of his wealth,” the Archbishop explained, “but because he was indifferent and hard-hearted toward poor Lazarus and every fellow human being in need.”

He stressed that wealth itself is not sinful, but indifference to suffering and the refusal to help those in need can lead a person away from God.

Referring to Lazarus, Archbishop Makarios highlighted his patience and endurance despite his suffering, noting that the poor man neither complained…