On Tuesday 22 April, His Eminence Archbishop Sergios, together with parish priest Reverend Fr. Nikolaos Giamourides and Deacon Fr. Michael officiated at the Vespers service held on the eve of the Feast of Saint George. This year the Very Reverend Archimandrite Evlogios Santonellos from George joined them for the celebration. A cocktail was held in the Church Hall after the service.
On Wednesday morning they officiated at the Service of the Holy Eucharist. The services were held in the presence of Mr. Thomas Matsoukas and Mr. Nassos Martalas, president of the Hellenic Community of Cape Town and environs, and members of the administrative committee.
In His address for the Feast His Eminence paid tribute to the Patron Saint of the Cathedral and made special mention of the fact that Saint George is not only the Patron Saint of the Church but also of the Orthodox Faithful of Cape Town and the environs.
He said that many miracles known and unknown are attributed to Saint George. The Saints that were martyred in the name of Christ, have also been crowned by Him. Their lives present us with an example to follow. His Eminence made reference to the ancient Orthodox Church of Saint George in Cairo which is very well known and visited by Orthodox Faithful and scholars of Archeology. The church is also visited by thousands upon thousands of Muslims who come to seek a blessing and help from the saint.
He ended by saying that Saint George has been the patron Saint of the Church in Cape Town and the Orthodox Faithful for a period of 110 years, and that he has supported and protected us for as many years and continues to do so. His strength has been with each and every administrative committee and the Church always prays to the saint to help solve the challenges our Church and community face along the way.
His Eminence thanked Consul Matsoukas for attending and said that the Church continues to pray to God to help our Motherland Greece amidst the economic crises she finds herself in. He also wished Mr. Martalas and his administrative committee strength and offered his support with the huge task they are faced with, that of repairing and upgrading the Church and out buildings. His Eminence ended by assuring them that he has no doubt that Saint George (who is our protector) will guide the leaders of the community to make the right decisions for the benefit of the Church and the Orthodox community.
