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

Who Will Roll Away the Stone? A Sermon for the Sunday of the Myrrhbearing Women

Fr. Nicholas Frazer

April 26, 2026 10:00 AM

In this sermon for the Third Sunday of Pascha, Fr. Nicholas Frazer reflects on the quiet courage of Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and the Myrrhbearing Women — those who remained faithful to Christ when fear had scattered the disciples. Drawing on the Gospel of Mark, he explores three movements of love: the courage to stand with Christ when it is costly, the faithfulness to seek him even in darkness, and the revelation of the empty tomb, where Christ has already overcome what we fear most.

From Doubt to Knowledge: St. Thomas and the Path of Faith

Sdn Tim Grace

April 19, 2026 10:00 AM

In this sermon for the Sunday of St. Thomas, Sub Dn. Timothy Grace explores the spiritual journey from crippling doubt to unshakable faith — and ultimately to the knowledge of God. Drawing on the Church Fathers, including St. Gregory the Great, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Cyril of Alexandria, he shows how doubt, surrendered to Christ, becomes the foundation for transforming faith. A message for all who struggle with uncertainty on the journey toward God.

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