A welcoming Orthodox community in Wayville, uniting Orthodox Christians in South Australia since the 1920s
January 18 (January 5 in the old style) is the day of the Baptism of the Lord Eve or the Baptism Eve in the Russian Orthodox Church. The word eve means the prelude to a church celebration, and its second name - Christmas Eve (or sochevnik) is related to the tradition of cooking wheat stew with honey and raisins - sochivo on this day. In view of the importance of the event in the life of Jesus Christ on the coming day, the Church has established a one-day fast. Hence began the tradition of cooking sochivo. On Christmas Eve, after the liturgy, a great consecration of water takes place in churches. The sanctification of water is called great due to the special solemnity of the rite imbued with the memory of the Gospel event that became not only the prototype of the mysterious washing away of sins, but also the actual sanctification of the very nature of water through the immersion of God in the flesh. This water is called Theophany water. Since the 11-12th centuries, water consecration takes place twice - both on Theophany Eve and directly on the Feast of Theophany. Sanctification on both days is held in the same manner, therefore the water sanctified on these days is no different. There is a pious tradition to sprinkle your home with Theophany water on this day while singing the troparion of Theophany. Theophany water is consumed throughout the year on an empty stomach in small quantities (with the exception of the feast days of January 18 and 19), usually together with a piece of prosphora "so that we may receive from God strength that strengthens health, heals diseases, drives out demons and repels all enemy attacks." The special property of holy water is that, even when added in small amounts to ordinary water, it imparts blessed properties to it as well, so in case of lack of holy water, it can be diluted with plain water. It must not be forgotten that holy water is a church holy object that has been touched by the grace of God and requires a reverent attitude. It should be stored in a separate place, preferably next to a home iconostasis. Troparion, Tone 1: When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan / The worship of the Trinity was made manifest / For the voice of the Father bore witness to You / And called You His beloved Son. / And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, / Confirmed the truthfulness of His word. / O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself / And have enlightened the world, glory to You!
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Here is a quick update on our fundraising towards the chandelier. We have already collected $6640 via the link! We still have $5360 to reach our goal. Thank you so much for your continued support! https://square.link/u/osGikLMK Fr. Alexei
Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we prepare our hearts for the joyous feast of the Nativity of our Lord, we invite our entire parish family to come together in the true spirit of Orthodox fellowship! After the beauty of the Christmas Divine Liturgy, the celebration will continue in our church hall. We are one big family, and there is no better way to break the fast than by sharing a meal, laughter, and joy with one another. Following our meal, please stay for a very special performance of a "Christmas Story," put together with love by our parish school children, youth, and parishioners. Where: Our Church Hall When: January 7th, immediately following the Divine Liturgy The Feast: Please bring a plate to share and your own preferred drinks Feature: Parish family meal followed by a "Christmas Story" play Admission: This event is free and open to everyone—bring your family and your joy! We look forward to seeing you with love! Fr. Alexei
On December 19, the Holy Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker. On this day, believers remember the repose of Saint Nicholas, which occurred around 335 AD. Even during his lifetime, Saint Nicholas became famous as a zealous defender of the Orthodox faith and a wonderworker. In particular, he saved the city of Myra from a terrible famine. For our parish this is a significant day - it is our patronal feast. Year after year, the whole parish prepares for the feast for several weeks. A thorough cleaning of the Temple is done, a menu for the festive meal is planned, the hall is prepared for the celebration and welcoming guests. This year at our celebration, the Kalinka dance group performed. Last year we had pilgrims from Dandenong (Victoria). Every year is different, but always very joyful, loving and festive. The festive Divine Liturgy was served by the dean Archpriest Michael, the rector Priest Alexei, Hegumen Veniamin and Priest Barnabas. Father Michael in his sermon urged us to learn from St. Nicholas: faith, the image of meekness, humility, love and care for our neighbor. Saint Nicholas lived in the 4th century, and his memory does not fade. The great veneration of the holy servant of God is explained by the fact that he fulfilled the Commandments of Christ: love God and love your neighbor. The Lord came to earth to show us that the main purpose of life is to learn to love our neighbor. To go to church, pray, confess, receive communion - this is important for a Christian, but to love your neighbor is above all. To love not with sensual and passionate "love," but with sacrificial love even to self-denial; if we do not have such love, we have achieved nothing. Good and kind deeds are the most necessary things, but love is above all; love is not passion, but the desire of the heart to serve one's neighbor. When we begin to practice this, even if through effort, and only with our "nearest neighbor," the skill of self-denial will gradually appear. The skill will turn into a habit, the need for good deeds will appear, and here sacrificial love will be born; so from the small, a path will be trodden to the greater - serving one's neighbor at the expense of oneself: one's time, health, money, receiving nothing material in return. But the Lord will certainly send joy into the heart, the joy of the presence of God's grace. All of this was fully fulfilled by Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. On this day we especially ask St. Nicholas to help us in a good cause: to learn to love our neighbor. Troparion, Tone 4: The truth of things revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith, / an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; / wherefore you have achieved the heights through humility, / riches through poverty. / O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, / intercede with Christ God // that our souls may be saved. Kontakion, Tone 3: In Myra, O holy one, you proved to be a sacred minister, / for having fulfilled the Gospel of Christ, O venerable one, / you laid down your life for your people / and saved the innocent from death. // Therefore you have been sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God.
