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The Holy Mysteries

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The Holy Mysteries

The Holy Mysteries express how God restores people to a loving, trusting relationship with Him. They are the primary means of communicating His peace, love and grace in the form of His indwelling presence. 

Baptism 

Baptism is how a Christian is united with Christ. 

See: The Holy Mystery of Baptism

Chrismation

Through Chrismation, a Christian is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

See: The Holy Mystery of Chrismation

Repentance

Commonly called “Confession,” the mystery of Repentance allows a Christian to know his or her sins are forgiven. 

See: The Holy Mystery of Repentance

Eucharist

Eucharist is the “Thanksgiving of God’s People,” the “Mystery of Mysteries,” “the Sacrament of Sacraments,” and “the New Covenant in Jesus’ Blood.” It is the participation of the Church in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. 

See: The Holy Mystery of Eucharist

Unction

The Mystery of Holy Unction is offered for the healing of soul and body and for the forgiveness of sins.

See: The Holy Mystery of Unction

Matrimony

Marriage is the Mystery through which the union of man and woman is sanctified by God.

See: The Holy Mystery of Matrimony (external link)

Holy Orders

The sacrament of Holy Orders is the objective guarantee of the perpetual presence of Christ with His people.

See: The Mystery of Holy Orders (external link)

 

About us

The Good Shepherd Orthodox Church, located in Clayton, Melbourne, is a living witness to the power of the Gospel and the fullness of the Christian Faith in modern, secular Australia.

We are a vibrant Australian Christian community under the direction of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand & the Philippines, which belongs to the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.

The Church of Antioch is the continuation of the Christian community founded in Antioch by the Apostles Peter (who served as its first bishop) and Paul. The Patriarchate of Antioch is the oldest of the ancient Patriarchates constituting the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.

All services are in the English language and the Divine Liturgy is held in the Main Chapel of the Religious Centre at Monash University, Clayton Campus, conveniently located in the centre of Melbourne’s residential population.

Parking in the University car parks is free on weekends—but please take note of all signs regarding Loading Zones, No Standing and Disabled Parking—these restrictions apply and are enforced on weekends. Permit zones do not apply at the weekends.

Map showing directions to the Clayton Campus Religious Centre

Blog

The Path to Glory: Humility, Repentance, and the Cross
Fr. Nicholas Frazer
Fr. Nicholas Frazer
March 29, 2026 11:00 AM
In this sermon, Fr. Nicholas Frazer reflects on the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, drawing together the Gospel account of James and John's request for glory with the life of St. Mary of Egypt. He explores how Christ overturns the world's understanding of greatness — revealing that the path to true glory leads not through power and prestige, but through humble service, repentance, and the cross.
Climbing the Ladder: St. John Climacus and the Ascent to God
Sdn Tim Grace
Sdn Tim Grace
March 22, 2026 11:00 AM
In this sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Sub Dn. Timothy Grace explores the life and teaching of St. John Climacus, author of the Ladder of Divine Ascent. Drawing on the imagery of Jacob's ladder and the structure of this celebrated spiritual classic, he reflects on the Christian life as a long and demanding ascent — and how the Ladder itself becomes a gateway through which God comes down to meet us.
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