A Tribute to Bishop Iakovos by Johnathan Daoulas

Img 6367

Good morning your Grace Bishop Iakovos, Father George, Mr Robertson, teachers and students.

I have been given the great pleasure of speaking on behalf of the student body about our beloved Bishop and friend.

As I am sure most of you are aware, Bishop Iakovos has had a great impact on the school and our community, since his appointment to the role of our parish priest and school chaplain in 2002, after the passing of Father Nicholas Moutafis.

During his time with us, His Grace has overseen and been part of the transformation and development of our school into what it is today.

As well as blessing us during liturgies and school blessings; His Grace was often found outside the church at the end of a school day, greeting students with his smile. He has also been a spiritual Father to many of us and our families.

On the 11th of January, 2011, he was unanimously elected Bishop by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate with the title of Militoupolis. Which was a great blessing for him but also our school and community. His Grace is the first-ever Australian born bishop.

Recently, Bishop Iakovos has been appointed as the first Bishop of Queensland and he will soon be departing us and beginning his new role on the Feast Day of our Patron Sts Anargiri Kosmas and Damianos on November the 1st.

Your Grace, although you may be moving far away from us you will be forever etched in the life and history of our school Oakleigh Grammar.

We would sincerely like to thank you for your prayers and contribution to our school and community.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank you for all the support you have given to me and my family. I will always fondly remember going to church when I was little and seeing you conduct liturgies on Sundays and also in Prep when going to church accompanied with the school.

It has always been a pleasure to see you at special services and events based around the church and school over the years.

Please remember that Oakleigh Grammar is your home and your family. Please continue to pray for us and we will for you. We look forward to seeing you from time to time either here or in the Sunshine State.

May God and His Holy Mother grant you strength and guide you in this new chapter.

Έις πολλα έτη Δέσποτα!!!

Comments are closed.