Event
Feast of St George 2025 Celebrated – St George Indian Orthodox Church Brisbane
St George Indian Orthodox Church, Brisbane, joyfully celebrated the Feast of St George (Perunnal) on 10 and 11 May 2025, with the wholehearted participation of our parishioners and guests.
The celebrations began on Saturday evening with Evening Prayer, a heartfelt memorial speech by Rev. Fr. Shinu Cherian, followed by a procession and benediction. Despite rain during the procession, everything was conducted prayerfully and in order — truly by the grace of God.
On Sunday, the faithful gathered for Morning Prayer, followed by the solemn and spiritually uplifting Holy Trimas (Triune Qurbana), celebrated by Fr. Liju Samuel (Vicar), Fr. Jacks Jacob, and Fr. Mathew K Mathew.
This year’s Perunnal held special meaning as it marked Fr. Liju Samuel’s final Perunnal as vicar, with his term concluding on 30 June 2025. Achen’s Qurbana is always known for its melodious and prayerful tone, drawing everyone into worship through his heartfelt intonation (choluthu).
The Sunday message was delivered by Fr. Mathew K Mathew, who gave a thoughtful and spiritually nourishing sermon reflecting on the life, courage, and steadfast faith of St George, encouraging the faithful to follow his example in today’s world.
Immediately following the Holy Trimas, the faithful participated in a grand procession and benediction. Though there was rain once again, the procession was completed joyfully and reverently — a moment of grace and unity for the whole parish.
After the procession, a felicitation ceremony was held for Rev. Fr. Jacks Jacob, former vicar of our parish, who was recently elected to the Diocesan Council of the newly formed Asia-Pacific Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. In recognition of this significant achievement, a ponnada (golden shawl) was ceremoniously presented to him by Mr Baby Kuriakose and Mr Abraham Kurian, the elected Malankara Association representatives from the Brisbane parish.
Following the felicitation, the celebrations continued with the harvest festival, which featured a lively parish auction. The event was led by Rev. Fr. Jacks Jacob, with enthusiastic participation from parish members. The Bombay Auction stood out as a crowd favourite, bringing excitement and joy to the celebration.
During the harvest festival, the SWAAD 2025 Coupon Book was also presented to Mathews Uncle.
SWAAD is a multi-cuisine Indian food festival organised by St George Indian Orthodox Church Brisbane. The coupon book consists of coupons that can be used during the event to purchase food, participate in games, and enjoy various activities.
A special word of thanks goes to Mr Benoy Mathews, who served as the Perunnal Coordinator. His dedicated planning and sincere efforts ensured the smooth and successful running of all events.
As the final part of the celebration, the Perunnal flag was reverently lowered by Rev. Fr. Liju Samuel and Rev. Fr. Jacks Jacob, marking the formal conclusion of this year’s blessed celebrations.
We give thanks to God Almighty for His abundant blessings, protection through the weather, and the spiritual unity experienced during this Perunnal. May the intercessions of St George, our patron saint, continue to guide and strengthen our parish.
To God be all glory.