The forty days of Great Lent is a time of expectant preparation heading towards that moment when we meet our Resurrected God and King. Services during these weeks energise the faithful in their journey toward Pascha.
Visitors are most welcome at any service.
Week of the Triumph of Orthodoxy
Great Lent commences with the most penitential service of the entire year, the Great Canon of St. Andrew & Great Compline. The Triumph of Orthodoxy is a memorial and celebration of the Church's reception of the Seventh and final Ecumenical Council.
Week of St. Gregory of Palamas
St. Gregory Palamas lived in the 15th century and defended the Church's teaching that the faithful can be united to God in this life. This week we celebrate the memory of his spiritual teaching.
Week of the Veneration of the Holy Cross
On the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, we have reached the mid-point of Lent. We bring the Holy Cross into the middle of the Church and sing hymns of victory and joy.
Week of St. John of the Ladder
St. John Climacus wrote the book, “The Ladder of Divine Ascent,” which describes the Christian life as climbing a ladder that ascends to God. It is a book of great spiritual wisdom and has inspired countless Christians in the last 1,300 years.
Week of St. Mary of Egypt
St. Mary of Egypt is a signal example of living a life of repentance. She lived a life of great infamy until a dramatic conversion led her to a life of great repentance. Her memory reminds us that all of us can approach the Lord and receive his healing mercy.
Week leading up to Palm Sunday
Great Lent concludes on Friday, while Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday introduce Holy Week.
Learn More
Learn about the services for Holy Week and Pascha.
Learn about the Liturgical feasts of the year.
Details
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, within 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 are 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 after 7:00 pm, but please take note of all signs regarding Loading Zones, No Standing and Disabled Parking, these restrictions apply and are enforced.
For directions to the Religious Centre click here