Programme of Celebrations for the Feast of Saint Paisios, Protector of the Archdiocese of Australia

On September 26, 2023, during the proceedings of the 12th Clergy-Laity Assembly of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, Saint Paisios the Athonite was proclaimed the protector, overseer, and guardian of the local Church. This decision was unanimously accepted, and with great enthusiasm, by the body of representatives, clergy and laity, from every corner of Australia.

Following this, Archbishop Makarios of Australia sent to the parishes the Apolytikion (Troparion) of Saint Paisios, composed by Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymnon and Avlopotamos. Since then, this Apolytikion has been chanted in all the Holy Churches of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and at every celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

APOLYTIKION

Let us, the faithful, hymn the divine Paisios, the protector of Australia, the ever-watchful guardian, and the ever-radiant pillar of Mount Athos, seeking his intercessions before God and crying out with one accord:

“Deliver us, O Father, from every assault of the evil one, the accursed archer.”

As part of this year’s celebration of the sacred memory of Saint Paisios, on the coming Sunday, July 12, Hierarchical Divine Liturgies will be celebrated throughout Australia…