The Divine Liturgy celebrated in Nelson for the first time

The Orthodox Christians of Nelson were delighted to be able to attend the Divine Liturgy yesterday, possibly first time it has been celebrated in that city.

The Celebrant was His Eminence Archbishop of New Zealand and Exarch of Oceania Amfilochios, Adamantios Tsoukos.

The service was conducted in English, Greek with some Church Slavonic and catered for the Orthodox of that city from all jurisdictions.

The Anglican community of Nelson have been very supportive in supplying the venue.

The Anglican Bishop of Nelson Rt Rev Richard Ellena, and Chairman of the Friends of Bishopdale, Rev Alec Brown also attended this service.

Hopefully the support this service received will lead to a more regular schedule of services for Nelson.

Source: The Nelson Mail - Emotional response to Orthodox service

Tagged: Saint Michaels Orthodox Church, Nelson, New Zealand

Fifth Sunday of Lent: St Mary of Egypt

Scripture readings

• Epistle: The Reading is from Hebrews 9:11-14
  


• Gospel: The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

Today we remember Righteous Mother Mary of Egypt who stands before us as a model for repentance.

Her feast is celebrated on the 1^st of April but we commemorate her today as our minds turn to our own repentance for our failings as we move toward Pascha.

Another Saint commemorated today is St Martin the Confessor, a Pope of Rome who suffered great indignities for staying true to the faith in the face of imperial opposition to him.

Fr Ilyan's return to us

Earlier this week it looked as though Fr Ilyan would need to undergo further surgery and might possibly have to remain in hospital for several weeks more, probably being there for Pascha.

A corner has been turned and the great news is that he returned home last night.

If he is able he intends to celebrate the Divine Liturgy today.

He has been sorely missed and we are thrilled to have him back and that he will be able to celebrate Pascha with us.

He still needs to recuperate and should be encouraged to take it slowly but I suspect he will continue in the manner he always has, working too hard even in times of great trial.

Those in need of our prayers

• The Archpriest Ilyan


• Olga Barbara


• June Sim

The Departed we Commemorated today

• Nancy


• Seraphine

Tagged: Saint Michaels Orthodox Church, Dunedin, New Zealand