The Feast of the First Church of Agia Paraskevi in Vrisvanitranslated

The Theophilus Bishop of Brisbane, Mr. Bartholomeos officiated at the Great Solemn Vespers on the feast of the Holy Glorious Great Martyr Paraskevi, at the celebratory Church of the same name, in Brisbane North, Brisbane. During his speech, he referred to the importance of the Saints in the life of the Orthodox Church, underlining that they are living models of the Gospel, our ambassadors before God and models of holiness, which inspire the faithful to progress in Christ and strive for their entry into the Kingdom of Heaven.

On the day of the feast, the Most Holy Bishop Mr. Bartholomeos officiated at Orthros and presided over the solemn Divine Liturgy in the same Holy Church. Theophilastatos was flanked by the Priestly Superior of the First Temple, Fr. Theophilaktos Loizou, as well as Deacons Timotheus Mavromatis and Porphyrios Aggeli.

During his sermon, Bishop Mr. Bartholomeos referred to the life and testimony of Saint Paraskevi, stressing that the highest purpose of her life was her complete union with Christ. Before she even offered her life through martyrdom, she had already offered her heart completely to God. Theophilastos pointed out that, although...