Conception of St John the Baptist

Saturday 4th October 2025AD

Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford

The chapel was adorned in deep hues of burgundy and crimson, and as the bells rang gently through the evening air, the faithful entered to the warm and solemn sound of Father Mark at the organ, his music setting a reverent tone for what was to follow.

The liturgy began with the hymn “The Lord is My Shepherd”, sung prayerfully as the congregation gathered their hearts in unity. Together we offered the Common Prayer, followed by the Kyrie sung beautifully by our Metropolitan, with Father Mark accompanying on the organ, followed by the Gloria. The music rose softly like incense, a plea for mercy and healing.

Father Mark then read the epistle, speaking of the need to purify our hearts and come together before God in holiness. The Gospel was then brought among the people as the Trisagion (Thrice Holy) Hymn was sung, filling the chapel with reverent awe.

Father Matthew read from the Gospel according to St Luke. The Gospel reading recounted the moment when Jesus told Simon Peter to put out into deep water and let down his nets once more. Though weary from the night’s labour, they obeyed—and the nets overflowed with fish. Christ then called them to a new purpose: “From now on you will be catching people.” Then all the fishermen gave up their boats to follow Him. The Metropolitan led the final verse of The Trisagion Hymn, its sacred melody accompanying the Gospel back to the altar.

In his homily, Metropolitan Raffaele reflected on the depth of divine mercy—how “Eleison,” meaning oil, is the balm that heals wounds and restores the soul. He drew upon the story of Andrew and Simon Peter, who at first made excuses, yet learned to trust the Lord and cast their nets again.

That same trust, he said, is the spirit in which we celebrate St. John the Baptist, the voice crying out in the wilderness. The crimson vestments of the evening, he reminded us, represent the presence of the saints—the radiance of divine grace manifested through colour and symbol.

The Metropolitan retold the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth, parents of the Forerunner, John the Baptist. Shunned and barren, they were visited by an angel bearing words of peace: “Do not be afraid.” Zachariah’s doubt silenced him, yet faith was restored when he named his son John, and his tongue was loosed in praise.

John, said Metropolitan Raffaele, was bold in speech and truth. His mother Elizabeth was cousin to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and when the two expectant mothers met, the unborn John leapt for joy at the presence of Christ.

When John came of age, instead of assuming his priestly role, he withdrew into the wilderness, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah: “A voice of one crying in the desert: prepare the way of the Lord.” There, amid the barrenness, he found God.

Our Metropolitan reflected that the desert is not merely a place of absence, but of encounter. Though harsh, it holds herbs and fruits that heal, signs that God is present even in desolation. “Chamomile grows in the desert,” he said, “and from it comes tea that soothes and restores. God is present in the simplest of things.”

The liturgy continued as the gifts were brought to the altar, accompanied by a hymn of offering. The Sanctus was sung with reverence, and through the prayers of consecration the gifts were blessed and transfigured.

The Theotokos was then honoured with hymn and prayer, before the congregation joined together in the Our Father. As Metropolitan Raffaele chanted the Agnus Dei, the clergy prepared for Holy Communion.

The Metropolitan paused to give thanks, marking twelve years since his ordination to the priesthood, offering words of gratitude to God for the grace of ministry and service.

The clergy received communion, followed by the congregation, each approaching with reverence and devotion. A thanksgiving hymn followed as the sacred vessels were returned to the prothesis.

Before the final hymn, Metropolitan Raffaele spoke words of encouragement to the faithful:

“Have the zeal, strength, and courage to soldier on. Be a light of hope, sanctity, and grace. Call upon your guardian angels—ask them to protect, to defend, and to give clarity and certainty when the path grows difficult. Trust in God.” And when God calls, respond with a heartfelt “Amen.”

The liturgy concluded with a final hymn, sung joyfully by all, led again by the Metropolitan and accompanied by Father Mark’s organ. The sacred evening gave way to warmth and fellowship as everyone gathered afterward for refreshments—simple food shared among friends, the echo of worship lingering in the air.

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