Sts Peter and Paul Feast Day Celebrations
“With what beauty of hymns shall we praise blessed Peter and Paul, the Apostles?”
On the sacred occasion of the feast of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the patron saints of Antioch, His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios presided over the threefold celebration at the parish of the Holy Apostle Paul in Dandenong.
A jubilant Great Vespers, concelebrated with the clergy and parishes of Victoria was served on Friday evening and chanted by the choir of St Ephraim the Syrian. The next morning was followed by Hierarchical Matins and Divine Liturgy including a Trisagion for the 7th Anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Paul of thrice-blessed memory.
The festivities culminated in the ‘dinner through the ages,’ a gala celebrating the patronal feast day, the 20-year anniversary of the parish and the official opening of the newly built commercial kitchen. The dinner was graced with His Eminence along with the Mayor of the city of Greater Dandenong, Lana Formoso, other local MPs, members of VICPOL, Archdiocesan Board Members, along with clergy and laity from all the sister parishes in Victoria.
His Eminence offered an inspiring word on appreciating where we have come from and continuing to bear fruit for the future generations to come. His Eminence also presented the clergy who have historically served the parish, Fr Geoff Harvey and Fr Georges El Khoury with monumental gifts in appreciation of their years of service.
It was a treasured and momentous festive weekend glorifying the Almighty, Who ‘let us also joyfully celebrate this solemn day, with hymns and poetry…’
