Chaplain's Corner

As we approach the end of the academic year, our community gathers in thanksgiving for the blessings of 2025 a year of growth, perseverance, and shared faith. This week, we celebrated the Doxology for the Graduating Class of 2025, giving glory to God for guiding our students through their years at Oakleigh Grammar. The Apostle Paul reminds us to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Graduation is not simply the end of a journey but the beginning of a new one, a race to be run with integrity, purpose, and faith. Our prayer for each graduate is that they continue to strive toward excellence, not only in achievement but in character, allowing Christ to be their compass and strength in every challenge ahead.

This week we also commemorate Greek National Day-the Day of “OXI”, when on 28 October 1940, Greece stood courageously against oppression, saying “No” to tyranny and “Yes” to freedom, dignity, and faith. This act of defiance was not born of hatred, but of conviction; a conviction rooted in truth, justice, and love for one’s neighbour and homeland.
Spiritually, “OXI” reminds us of the Christian call to courage: to stand firm in faith, even when the world pressures us to conform. It speaks to the power of unity that together, with God, we can overcome fear, injustice, and adversity. May this day inspire our students to live with the same courage to say “no” to what is wrong, and “yes” to what is good, holy, and true.

Finally, our hearts turn with joy to the upcoming Feast Day of our beloved Patron Saints Sts. Cosmas and Damian the Anargiri, and their holy mother, Theodota. These unmercenary physicians devoted their talents to healing the sick and serving the poor freely, embodying Christ’s command: “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Their lives remind us that our gifts whether of mind, heart, or skill are meant to be used in love and service to others. Their mother, Saint Theodota, stands as a model of faith and nurturing virtue, raising her sons to be instruments of God’s mercy. As a community named in their honour, we are called to follow their example to serve with compassion, humility, and generosity of spirit.

We look forward to celebrating their feast and our Glendi this coming weekend, a time of joy, fellowship, and thanksgiving that unites our parish, school, and community in faith and friendship.

May the blessings of our Saints guide us, the courage of “OXI” inspire us, and the grace of Christ strengthen us to run our race well with love, faith, and perseverance.

In Christ,


Rev Fr Stavros Kakavas 

Parish Priest and School Chaplain