BENEDICTUS DEUS IN ANGELIS SUIS, ET IN SANCTIS SUIS.
Most Reverend Father bishops, Very Reverend Father presbyters, Venerable Father deacons, Laudable monastics, and brothers and sisters of the Universal Church;
God is the Lord and has revealed himself onto us: Blessed is He who comes with the Name of the Lord! (Ps 117:27)
On this 31st day of the 3rd month in commemoration of the Veneration of the Precious Cross ushering the Third week of the Great Fast in the year of our Lord 2019 AD, the Lord’s Grace bestowed on his saints is thus manifested. “All that is kept in secret will be disclosed at the appointed time, and all which is concealed in darkness, the light will expose for all to see!” (Lk 8:17)
Thus, it is pleasing to the All Holy Trinity that our Sister amongst the women Martyrs CATHERINE ROUTSIS (1900-1927AD) is adorned with the crown and title: Martyr of the Church! Furthermore, the Wisdom from on High who came to dwell amongst us (Jesus the Lord) who awakens our souls to the sound of his Name has challenged us once again in the political upheaval of national disputes within the walls of the instituted church.
Hence, in the tradition of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women: Sts. Miriam of Magdala, Miriam Clopas, Johanna, Salome Zebedee, Miriam and Martha Bethania, our Sister amongst the Martyrs demonstrated this extraordinary Gift of ministering to the people of Greece in harsh and uncertain times - remaining faithful to the Gospel of Christ.
It is my paternal joy and privilege as Apostle of Australia to now acclaim the Servant of God CATHERINE ROUTSIS amongst the Saints. The Lord’s name is blessed amongst his holy ones and it is our duty to testify to the glorious Presence of the Father Pantocrator within our Holy Exarchate in this great land traced with the Glorious Cross via the formation of starts in the southern skies.
Hence, the whole Church gathered for the Divine Liturgy written by our Father amongst the Hierarchs Basil the Great of Cappadocia. Thus, via the grace of the all Holy Spirit according to the succession of the Apostles bestowed on us in Christ who is Divine Bishop of his Church, this servant of God who was kept in the dark due to institutional fragility and adverse powers was canonized!
All clergy are to commemorate our sister amongst the saints Catherine Routsis within the Canon of Martyrs at the service of the proskemedia (preparation of gifts). Furthermore, the icon attached to this Exarchal Decree is to be installed in each church with the offering of incense and following hymnodies.
Troparion Hymn (tone 4)
O holy Catherine you did not waiver from the true faith even when you knew that it could cost you your life. Thus, as Christ is the pearl of great price for his Church, You stood firm in the face of opposition. Hence, you wholeheartedly believed in the promise of Christ the Lord who said: “be not afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul!” Pray for us Holy Martyr who struggle with opposing groups within the community that the Lord will guide his Church and save his people.
Kontakion Hymn (tone 6)
Martyr Catherine, your earthly life amongst your young family was taken from you; but yet in heaven you gained an eternal crown in the Communion of Saints. Your holy example has given us a marvellous testament of a perfect love for Christ and His all Holy Church. Pray for us Saint Catherine that in times of trial (like you) we will always remain faithful to Christ and the Truth of His all Holy Church; never taking our gaze off Him who is the way, the truth, and the life all of who wholeheartedly believe.
With and in the joy of Christ who is Bishop of his Church, his Holy Apostles and their Venerable Successors,
The Apostolic Authority of the Australian Exarchate
+Raffaele
Archbishop of Melbourne
To view a biography of Saint Catherine, please follow the link below:
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