Pandelis Toumbelekis, Author at Greek Orthodox Christian Society

Missionary Work

Missionary Visits: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there as well” says the Lord (Mt 18:20). We are blessed to have Orthodox Christians throughout Australia. With the blessing of our Archdiocese, the Greek Orthodox Christian Society conducts visits to cities and towns throughout Australia. During those visits, in order to promote the word of God, we make presentations and speeches, perform plays, songs and chants, as well as have book exhibitions. We interact with the Orthodox Christians we visit, and learn from them in terms of their own experiences all they have to share with [...]

Pandelis Toumbelekis2023-03-08T09:25:14+11:00November 5th, 2014|

Ladies Fellowship Retreat

On the weekend of October 10-12, the Greek Orthodox Ladies Fellowships of Sydney held their Annual Retreat at the Rathane Convention Centre in the Royal National Park, about one hour south of Sydney. The highlight of the Retreat was the Divine Liturgy officiated by Fr Eusebios, Abbot of Pantanassa Monastery. Against the beautiful scenic settings of the Royal National Park, the ladies thoroughly enjoyed their brief Retreat, firmly deepening their Christian fellowship with each other. The participants at this year’s Ladies Fellowship Retreat, along with Fathers Eusebios and Nectarios from Pantanassa Monastery

Pandelis Toumbelekis2016-10-14T14:50:45+11:00October 29th, 2014|

Sunday School Picnic 2014

On the long-weekend of Monday 6th October, the Sunday Schools of Sydney held their combined annual Sunday School Picnic at Lachlan Reserve, Centennial Park. Along with the excellent weather, the event was especially blessed with the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos and with His Grace Bishop Iakovos, who both addressed the children, as well as numerous clergy, and crowds of parents and children who all thoroughly enjoyed the day! His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos and His Grace Bishop Iakovos with the children at this year’s Sunday School Picnic

Pandelis Toumbelekis2016-10-14T14:50:45+11:00October 23rd, 2014|

The Monk of Mount Athos – by Archimandrite Sophrony

The Monk of Mount Athos by Archimandrite Sophrony Published by St Vladimir’s Press, 1997. “The Monk of Mount Athos” is based on the life and teachings of St Silouan the Athonite (1866-1938). It is written by one of his closest disciples, Archimandrite Sophrony. The first part of this book explores St Silouan’s youth. It is very relatable, as he had similar distractions and temptations growing up to those of present. It reflects his initial monastic calling, but also the difficult parts of his life where he believes he was protected by God’s grace. St Silouan grew up as a normal [...]

Pandelis Toumbelekis2016-10-14T14:50:16+11:00October 3rd, 2014|

The Prosforo – Bread Offering

The Prosforo – Bread Offering What does it mean to bring an offering to the church? It means that you prayerfully give of yourself to Christ who is the giver of 'all good things'. (cf. James 1:17) God provides all things, be it the wheat or grapes, and transforms it through the Holy Spirit, giving it back as His precious Body for Holy Communion. We give ourselves to God and He, in turn, gives Himself to us. This is what we declare in the Divine Liturgy: 'Thine own of Thine own we offer to You in all and for [...]