Australia, November 1, 2022
Photo: soc.org.au
The abbot of Hilandar, the Serbian monastery on Mt. Athos, visited several Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries in Australia during the second half of October.
Archimandrite Methodije, the head of the Athonite monastery, arrived in Australia on October 12 at the invitation of His Eminence Bishop Siluan of Australia and New Zealand for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of St. Sava’s Monastery in Elaine, Victoria, reports the local Serbian Orthodox diocese.
Photo: soc.org.au
As a blessing for the Australian faithful, Fr. Methodije brought copies of two sacred treasures from the Holy Mountain: the Three-Handed Icon of the Mother of God and the Milk-Giver Icon of the Mother of God. “The Most Holy Mother of God chooses where she will visit and who she will have mercy upon by her visitation and prayerful protection,” Fr. Methodije said.
The Three-Handed Icon will remain at the St. Sava-New Kalenić Monastery near Canberra, and the Milk-Giver Icon at St. Sava College in Varroville.
During his stay in Australia, the Hilandar abbot celebrated the feast of the Holy Protection and visited the Serbian diocese’s monasteries and a number of parishes.
Photo: soc.org.au
On Saturday, October 15, Fr. Methodije celebrated the Divine Liturgy at New Kalenić Monastery with both Bp. Siluan and His Grace Bishop George of Sydney of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. The next day, the visiting abbot celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Sava College.
On Saturday, October 22, Fr. Methodije visited St. Sava Monastery in Elaine for the 50th anniversary of the holy habitation. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Bp. Siluan, Fr. Methodije, and clerics from throughout Australia.
Photo: soc.org.au
During the service, a procession was held with the copy of the Three-Handed Icon of the Mother of God. At the reception after the Liturgy, Fr. Methodije spoke about the role of monasteries in the spiritual awakening of the faithful.
The Hilandar abbot also celebrated the Sunday Liturgy at the monastery the next day.
During his visit to Australia, a number of parishes held fundraisers, gathering tens of thousands of dollars for their beloved Hilandar Monastery.
Fr. Methodije’s two-week visit came to an end on Saturday. He was seen off at the airport by Bp. Siluan and local clergy and faithful.
The Athonite abbot earlier visited America in August.
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