On Friday, August 9, 2024, on the feast day of the Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon, in the evening hours His Eminence Metropolitan Siluan blessed and opened the 36th Serbian Folkloric Festival in Bonnyrigg. This is the first day of the three-day largest national presentation of folkloric dance in Australia, and the beauty of Serbian folk traditions expressed through dance and song.
The annual gala dinner was attended by ecclesiastical and other high profile dignitaries. We were graced by the attendance of His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios Archbishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and numerous clergy.
Among the esteemed dignitaries who took part in the opening night of the festival were the representative of the Premier of NSW, the leader of the opposition, numerous Members of Parliament, MLC’s. Metropolitan Siluan remarked that the Serbian people in Australia have integrated very well and that they have been contributing to the country’s development in various spheres for over a century. At the same time, the Serbian people proudly preserve and nurture their faith and cultural heritage, enriching the multicultural fabric of this beautiful country with their unique cultural thread. His Eminence thanked all the dignitaries for showing their support towards the Serbian community. He also thanked the management of the Serbian centre, all the organisers and volunteers for the exceptional organisation.
On Sunday, August 11, after Divine Hierarchical Liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint George in Cabramatta, His Eminence Metropolitan Siluan, accompanied by clergy, visited the Serbian folkloric festival in Bonnyrigg. His Eminence addressed all those present, praising all the participants, choreographers and parents, for their hard work and love in preserving their faith and tradition. In addition to all the performances, the students of St. Sava College left a big impression on all present after their mesmerising performance.
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