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The Holy Mysteries

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The Holy Mysteries

The Holy Mysteries express how God restores people to a loving, trusting relationship with Him. They are the primary means of communicating His peace, love and grace in the form of His indwelling presence. 

Baptism 

Baptism is how a Christian is united with Christ. 

See: The Holy Mystery of Baptism

Chrismation

Through Chrismation, a Christian is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

See: The Holy Mystery of Chrismation

Repentance

Commonly called “Confession,” the mystery of Repentance allows a Christian to know his or her sins are forgiven. 

See: The Holy Mystery of Repentance

Eucharist

Eucharist is the “Thanksgiving of God’s People,” the “Mystery of Mysteries,” “the Sacrament of Sacraments,” and “the New Covenant in Jesus’ Blood.” It is the participation of the Church in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. 

See: The Holy Mystery of Eucharist

Unction

The Mystery of Holy Unction is offered for the healing of soul and body and for the forgiveness of sins.

See: The Holy Mystery of Unction

Matrimony

Marriage is the Mystery through which the union of man and woman is sanctified by God.

See: The Holy Mystery of Matrimony (external link)

Holy Orders

The sacrament of Holy Orders is the objective guarantee of the perpetual presence of Christ with His people.

See: The Mystery of Holy Orders (external link)

 

About us

The Good Shepherd Orthodox Church, located in Clayton, Melbourne, is a living witness to the power of the Gospel and the fullness of the Christian Faith in modern, secular Australia.

We are a vibrant Australian Christian community under the direction of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand & the Philippines, which belongs to the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.

The Church of Antioch is the continuation of the Christian community founded in Antioch by the Apostles Peter (who served as its first bishop) and Paul. The Patriarchate of Antioch is the oldest of the ancient Patriarchates constituting the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.

All services are in the English language and the Divine Liturgy is held in the Main Chapel of the Religious Centre at Monash University, Clayton Campus, conveniently located in the centre of Melbourne’s residential population.

Parking in the University car parks is free on weekends—but please take note of all signs regarding Loading Zones, No Standing and Disabled Parking—these restrictions apply and are enforced on weekends. Permit zones do not apply at the weekends.

Map showing directions to the Clayton Campus Religious Centre

Blog

Come and See: The Triumph of Faith in Christ
Fr. Geoff Harvey
Fr. Geoff Harvey
March 9, 2025 11:00 AM
In this sermon, Fr. Geoff explores the themes of Christ’s identity, the Triumph of Orthodoxy, and the endurance of faith through the centuries. Reflecting on the call to “Come and see,” the significance of fasting, and the witness of the saints, he challenges us to find our true nourishment in God. Join us in contemplating what it means to live in the presence of Christ—both now and for eternity.
Journey to Redemption: Understanding Forgiveness Sunday
Fr. Nicholas Frazer
Fr. Nicholas Frazer
March 2, 2025 11:00 AM
Join Fr. Nicholas as he delves deep into the significance of Forgiveness Sunday, also known as the Expulsion of Adam from Paradise. Discover the spiritual themes of repentance and forgiveness as the gateway to Great Lent. Drawing from the rich imagery of church hymnography, explore the beauty of paradise, the consequences of Adam's disobedience, and the path back to divine grace through spiritual tools like fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. As we embark on this Lenten journey, find inspiration and guidance to seek redemption and strive for a place in the eternal paradise with Christ. Amen.
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