Chaplain's Corner

Each year the Church gathers to remember with love and gratitude the Dormition (the “Falling Asleep”) of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos, Mary, the Mother of God. This feast is not only a solemn remembrance of her departure from earthly life, but a radiant proclamation of what God intends for every human life: union with Christ, transfigured in mercy and love.

Mary is, for us, truly the Mother of all. The ancient title Theotokos (God-bearer) reminds us that she carried Christ in her womb and in her heart. Because of this unique closeness to her Son, she is also our tender intercessor: the one who brings our prayers to her Son and who invites us into deeper trust and humility before God. The Church entrusts us to her motherly care, and we, in turn, learn from her humility, obedience and loving attention to God’s will.

This year our whole school came together to honour her with our whole-school Paraklesis (Service of Supplication). The Paraklesis, with its petitions and hymns asking for the Theotokos’ prayers, provided a beautiful moment of shared stillness and hope. Our Byzantine choir lead the chanting with great reverence, and their chanting was full of prayer and helped shape the space for students and staff to pray together. Many students also attended the Divine Liturgy on the feast day itself, participating with warmth and sincere devotion.

I want to thank our Byzantine choir, teachers and student leaders for their dedication and prayers. To see young people responding to these sacred rhythms; to bow, to stand, and to sing  is an encouragement to all of us who care for the spiritual life of the school.

Practical pastoral note for families and students: the Dormition is also a time for small, simple acts of devotion like lighting a candle, offering a short prayer before bedtime, showing kindness to a family member; that help us carry the feast into the week that follows. If your child came to the services, ask them what moved them; if they did not, consider bringing them next year, these experiences quietly shape faith over time.

May the Mother of God keep our school in her prayers. May she watch over our students, teachers and families, and may her intercession draw us all closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the love of Christ and the care of His Mother,


Rev Fr Stavros Kakavas 

Parish Priest and School Chaplain