Makarios of Australia: "Our union with God takes place at the Holy Altar"translated

With ecclesiastical splendor and in an atmosphere of spiritual joy and emotion, the Inauguration of the Holy Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene, in the Athelstone suburb of Adelaide, took place on Saturday, August 22. The Mass was presided over by the Most Reverend Archbishop of Australia, Mr. Makarios, who also presided over the first Divine Liturgy on the consecrated Holy Table, with the Theophilist Bishops of Adelaide Mr. Siluanos and Mr. Elpidio of Perth as co-celebrants.

His Eminence, during his speech, highlighted with theological depth the importance of church inaugurations, underlining that they do not simply refer to the consecration of a Holy Church as a building, but primarily to the spiritual renewal of the faithful. "At the center of the Orthodox Christian life is the Holy Altar", he underlined and continued: "Here the Church on earth unites with the Church in heaven. Here time meets eternity. We can be good people. We can be generous. We can perform good works and lead a dignified life. Christianity, however, is not just about becoming better people. Aims to join the…