Hellenic Culture 

On Sunday 14 September 2025, Oakleigh Grammar students were honoured to participate in the Divine Liturgy at the Parish of Sts Anargiri in Oakleigh, joining our local parish community in marking one of the most significant Feast Days of the Orthodox Church – the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.  This day is a profound reminder of the power of the Cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and its central place in our faith.

The Feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great.  Each year on this date, the Orthodox faithful gather in reverence and prayer, lifting the Cross as a symbol of triumph, hope, and salvation.  For our students, participating in this service was both a spiritual and educational experience, deepening their connection to the traditions of the Church and the values that underpin our school community.

The occasion also held a special meaning for Oakleigh Grammar, as the Feast coincides with the name day of our School Chaplain, Father Stavros Kakavas.  Our students represented the school with pride, showing reverence during the service and contributing to the atmosphere of unity and celebration. As a gesture of appreciation for his tireless work and pastoral care within our local parish and school, students presented Father Stavros with flowers, symbolising gratitude and respect.

Accompanied by staff, students gathered at Sts Anargiri Church at 9:00 am to enter together as a group, reflecting the spirit of community that is so integral to Orthodox tradition.  Following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy at approximately 11:15 am, students were dismissed, having not only participated in an important religious event but also strengthened their bond with the parish and each other.

Through occasions such as this, Oakleigh Grammar reinforces its commitment to nurturing both the spiritual and cultural life of its students. Our involvement in parish celebrations ensures that the values of faith, service, and Hellenic identity continue to flourish in the next generation.

Natasha Spanos

Hellenic Culture Coordinator