All Saints Grammar

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the
school’s community of All Saints Grammar. I was greatly encouraged by the joy
with which I was received into the school by students, teachers and parents
alike.

In my capacity as the new School Chaplain, I would like to offer
my background in Theology, Education and Pastoral Counselling for the benefit
of all those who teach and are taught in this blessed institution. In the past
few weeks I have met many students and enjoyed the enthusiasm with which they
approach learning the Word of God and their education in general. I look
forward to meeting the rest of the students and guiding all to a deeper
appreciation of our Orthodox faith and the role it can play in our daily life.

In the month of August we remember it is dedicated to the All-Holy Theotokos, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary. Every evening at church we pray the paraklisis service (supplication)
asking her to intercede for us to Christ our God that we may receive healing of
soul and body.

On the 15 of August we commemorated her dormition (falling
asleep) and burial thereby celebrating a mini Easter in the middle of the year.
The apolytikion hymn of the feast reminds us that even in death there is life
as we strive for a union with God in His Eternal Kingdom.

You gave birth yet preserved your virginity. You fell asleep in
death yet did not desert the world, O Theotokos. You were transported to life,
as you are Mother of Life and, by virtue of your intercessions, deliver our
souls from death.

I would like to wish Χρόνια Πολλά! (Many Years) to all who
celebrated their Name day on August 15th but also to the whole School community.
May God continue to bless you and guide you all through the intercessions of
His most Holy Mother.

Fr Dimitrios Papaikonomou
School Chaplain