Archbishop of Australia: The Church does not mourn a death but celebrates a translation from death to life

Archbishop Makarios of Australia conveyed a message of hope, consolation, and joy on the occasion of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

As he emphasised, the Church “does not mourn a death, but celebrates a translation from death to life,” rejoicing in the passage from the temporal to the eternal and from corruption to true life.

The Archbishop encouraged the faithful to turn towards Panagia with trust amid their difficulties and trials, since she experienced human suffering and “can hear the silent scream of every suffering soul.”

In conclusion, he called upon everyone to pray that the Theotokos may shelter families, young people, the sick, the lonely, and all those undergoing trials, protect the whole world, and always guide humanity towards her Son and God.

Read here the full message:

Most Honourable Brother Bishops and my beloved children,

The great Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos gathers us once again around the venerable person of our Panagia, the Mother of the Lord and the Mother of all Christians. Today, the Church does not mourn a death, but celebrates a translation from death to life; the Church does not lament a separation, but rejoices in…