Makarios of Australia: "The priesthood is the transformative force par excellence in a world that falters spiritually"translated

In an atmosphere of euphoric joy, the Solemn Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Thursday, August 6, on the Despotic feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior, in the celebratory Holy Church of the same name in Thomastown, Melbourne, in the Holy Diocese of Chora. The Eucharistic Synod was presided over by the Most Reverend Archbishop of Australia, Mr. Makarios, and during this he performed the Deacon ordination of Mr. Panagiotou Andrews, a graduate of the Theological School of the Apostle Andrew Sydney, a family man and father of one child. The Archbishop was flanked by the Theophilist Bishops of Chora, Mr. Eumenios and of Melbourne, Mr. Kyriakos, the Priestly Head of the First Church, Fr. Georgios Fragos, and other clergymen, while the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Dervi, Mr. Ezekiel, was also present to pray. Among the crowded congregation were the Lords of M.t.X.E. Mr. Marios Kalogiannis and Mr. Antonios Tsourdalakis, and students of the Greek Orthodox College of St. John Preston.

Before the ordination, His Holiness addressed fatherly words to the ordained, noting in the introduction that "the final purpose of human life and existence is our transformation in Christ"....