Wollongong - The Serbian community in Wollongong gathered to celebrate Christmas at the church service held at the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist (82 Kenny St), where families came together to mark the birth of Christ. The Christmas liturgy held at the midnight.
The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Porfirije, as well as the Archbishop and Metropolitan of Australia and New Zealand Diocese, Siluan, have sent Christmas messages to the Serbian people. In his message, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije called on the faithful to spend this holiday, in the year marking the 850th anniversary of the birth of Saint Sava, in reconciliation and unity. In his message, Metropolitan Siluan called on everyone to strive to live ascetically-liturgically in love and forgiveness, in the Saint Sava spirit of harmony and unity. He warns us not to lightly open our hearts to various visitors, philosophies, gurus, and forces, as through negligence, we may allow the destructive force of the spiritual wolf to enter the spaces of our hearts, as stated, among other things, in the Christmas message of Metropolitan Siluan.
The happiest Christian holiday, Christmas, is celebrated not only by the Serbian Orthodox Church, but also by other Orthodox churches that follow the Julian calendar. Today, believers greet each other with the words: "Peace from God – Christ is born," and respond: "Truly, He is born." Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
Peace from God – Christ is born!