Holy Qurbana by Rev. Fr. Cheriyan Varghese – St George Indian Orthodox Church, Brisbane (1 June 2025)

The faithful at St George Indian Orthodox Church, Brisbane, were blessed with a spiritually uplifting service on Sunday, 1st June 2025, as Rev. Fr. Cheriyan Varghese (affectionately known as Shinu Achen), vicar of St Peter’s and St Paul’s Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church, North-West Brisbane, celebrated the Holy Qurbana.

The day was further sanctified with the heartfelt St Mary’s Intercessory Prayer, also conducted by Shinu Achen, invoking the powerful intercession of the Holy Theotokos. In addition, Achen offered special respect and a solemn Dhoopa Prarthana in memory of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymos I, the late Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan. Achen remarked that His Holiness is an "undeclared saint" of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, noting the humility, spiritual depth, and lasting impact of his life and service.

In his homily, Achen delivered a deeply moving message centred on love and mutual respect within families, especially between husband and wife. He emphasised that when a husband truly loves and respects his wife, and the wife responds with the same, it sets a living example for their children. “When children witness this unity and honour between parents, they too grow up to love and respect their elders,” Achen said.

He went on to stress that a major root cause of irreverence among children today stems not from rebellion alone, but from the absence of love and mutual respect between spouses.

Achen concluded his message by reminding the congregation that true family harmony must be deeply rooted in Jesus Christ. “Only when our relationships are grounded in Christ’s love and teachings can we nurture a home where respect, compassion, and understanding flourish,” he said. He encouraged all families to make Christ the centre of their lives and marriages, drawing strength and guidance from Him.

The congregation received Achen’s words with heartfelt appreciation and reflection. The day ended with prayers and warm fellowship, leaving everyone spiritually renewed and inspired to cultivate Christ-centred, love-filled family lives.