Chaplain's Corner

We give thanks to God for the many blessings bestowed upon our Oakleigh Grammar community and for the opportunities we have shared to grow together in faith, wisdom and love.

A particularly joyful and meaningful occasion was our recent Doxology Service, during which we gathered in prayer to give thanks to God for our graduating Class of 2026. This special service marked not only the conclusion of an important chapter in our students' educational journey but also an opportunity to reflect upon the friendships, experiences and blessings that have shaped their time at Oakleigh Grammar.

To our graduating students, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and prayers. As you embark upon the next chapter of your lives, may you carry with you the values of Faith and Wisdom, remembering that true success is measured not simply by personal achievements, but by the love, humility, kindness and integrity with which we live our lives. May Christ continue to guide your steps, strengthen your faith and bless the paths that lie ahead.

On 28 October, we commemorate two significant occasions in our Orthodox and Hellenic heritage: the Feast of the Holy Protection of the Theotokos (Agia Skepi) and Ohi Day.

Ohi Day reminds us of the courage, sacrifice and determination of those who stood in defence of freedom and human dignity in 1940. It is an opportunity to honour those who sacrificed so much and to reflect upon the importance of courage, unity and standing firm in what is right.

As we enter November, our school and parish community prepares to celebrate the feast of our beloved Patron Saints, the Holy Unmercenary Healers, Sts Cosmas and Damian, together with their mother, St Theodota.

These saints hold a special place in the spiritual life and identity of Oakleigh Grammar. Sts Cosmas and Damian dedicated their lives to serving others, offering healing and care freely, without seeking payment or recognition. Their very title, Anargiri, meaning "without silver", reminds us that the greatest gifts we can offer are those given freely through love.
Their mother, St Theodota, nurtured them in the Christian faith, teaching them the importance of prayer, compassion and service to others. Her example reminds us of the sacred responsibility we share as parents, educators and members of a Christian community to nurture our children not only intellectually, but spiritually and morally.

As the patron saints and heavenly protectors of our School, Sts Cosmas and Damian and St Theodota provide us with living examples of our values of Humility, Aspiration, Respect and Kindness. They remind us that faith is not simply something we learn about, but something we are called to live through our actions and relationships with others.

I warmly invite all our students, families and staff to join our parish community at Sts Anargiri, Oakleigh, for these special celebrations:

* Saturday 31 October, 6:00 pm – Great Vespers

* Sunday 1 November – 7:15am Festal Matins and Divine Liturgy


Attending these sacred services is far more than simply observing a tradition. It is an opportunity to gather as a community in prayer, to give thanks to God and to honour and venerate the saints who continue to inspire and intercede for us.

I particularly encourage our families to bring their children to these services, allowing them to experience firsthand the beauty of our Orthodox faith and to develop a personal connection with the saints whose names our School and parish proudly bear.
May the Holy Unmercenary Healers, Sts Cosmas and Damian, together with their blessed mother, St Theodota, continue to intercede for, guide and protect our entire Oakleigh Grammar community.

Through their holy intercessions, may our Lord bless us all.

With love and prayers in Christ,
Rev Fr Stavros Kakavas - School Chaplain and Parish Priest of Sts Anargiri Oakleigh