On Friday, August 31, 2025, the parish of St. Luke in Liverpool celebrated its patronal feast day. The Divine Hierarchical Liturgy was served by His Eminence Metropolitan Siluan, with the concelebration of Archimandrite Petar (Radulović) and several clergy from the Sydney Archdiocesan Deanery, assisted by subdeacons and readers from this and other Sydney parishes.
Upon the recommendation of the parish priest, Protopresbyter Aleksandar Milutinović, Metropolitan Siluan elevated Mr. Mihailo Zbiljić to the rank of reader before the Liturgy. This act is both a visible sign of spiritual growth and a reflection of the increasing number of faithful in what had previously been a missionary parish.
In his Archpastoral homily, the Metropolitan spoke about the meaning of the spiritual calling and the growth in faith that are truly possible only within the Church. His words also served as a warning on this day—that as Orthodox Christians, we must not take part in anything contrary to God, in the holiday of Halloween which is essentially a satanic masquerade disguised as something entertaining, innocent, and harmless. He emphasised the importance of protecting our children from influences that could spiritually harm them and distance them from God. The Metropolitan pointed to the apostolic example of today’s “gentle physician,” St. Luke, as well as to the similar apostolic struggle of St. Peter of Cetinje.
After the Divine Liturgy, the cutting of the Slava bread, and the blessing of the festal offerings, a formal Charter was announced and presented. By the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Siluan, this Mission Parish was thereby proclaimed a Church Community. An Archpastoral Certificate of elevation was presented to Reader Mihailo Zbiljić, whose family members, led by Subdeacon Nikola Zbiljić, are active participants in the life and worship of this parish.
As part of the ongoing building renewal—alongside the still-in-progress construction of the church itself—plans include a parish hall and accompanying facilities. Despite the limited space, a warm and welcoming Agape meal was served, and a joyful gathering with the Hierarch took place following the Liturgy.
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