On Monday, March 22, Bishop Siluan of Australia and New Zealand (Serbian Patriarchate) visited the offices of the Archdiocesan District of Perth and was warmly received by Bishop Elpidios of Kyanes.
As reported by vema.com.au, Bishop Siluan was given a tour of the new facilities and offices of the Holy Archdiocese and the co-located “Vassiliada” Elderly Care Service.
After the tour, morning coffee was offered at the office of Bishop Elpidios, during which the two Bishops discussed issues of common interest of the two Churches, and exchanged gifts.
The Bishops then left for the Greek Orthodox day school of St. Andrew, where Bishop Siluan met with the new principal, Dawn Clements, as well as the school’s deputy principals.
It is worth noting that Greek and Serbian students make up a quarter of all students.
They then toured the school premises, visiting the classrooms and observing the students’ activities.
Then Bishop Siluan, accompanied by Bishop Elpidios, visited the Holy Temple of Saints Constantine and Helen, which is the first orthodox church built in Western Australia, with the foundation stone laid in 1924.
A Lent meal followed at the residence of Bishop Elpidios. After the meal, a pilgrimage was made to the Holy Monastery of Saint John of the Mountain, where they admired the newly built chapel of Saint Paisios.
Bishop Siluan expressed his desire to meet again with Bishop Elpidos when he visits Sydney.