The following article is lovingly dedicated to the ever-memorable Elder, His Blessed Eminence, former Metropolitan of Ganos and Chora, Kyros Amphilochios, by Father Michael Psaromatis from St. Nicholas, Wallaroo Orthodox Church.
The small open boat climbed a wave and then plunged into its hollow with a shudder. The island had vanished from their sight; around them stretched a gray sky and a restless sea. Between clenched teeth, the Jesus Prayer rose softly: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” The larger vessel that had carried the missionaries from island to island was now far behind them. In its place was this small craft, rising and falling among the swells as though suspended between heaven and water.
The wind tugged at their clothes and hair. Salt burned their eyes. Each dive of the bow sent a hurried rush of water across the deck. Then the boat would lift again, as if raised by an invisible hand. In that moment, human certainty seemed small, while the cry of the heart opened wide. The bishop prayed aloud, entrusting the journey to Christ and to the Panagia. The Fijian crew made the sign of the Cross with the quiet faith of people who understand the ways of the sea. The storm continued, and within the grayness a dark line slowly formed: land.
As the boat drew nearer to shore, the outlines resolved into trees and shoreline. When they finally stepped onto the sand, the village welcomed them with songs, garlands, and open arms. Children ran forward to embrace them. The passage through dangerous waters and the warmth of their reception revealed a truth: human life unfolds within forces greater than our own and is held in a love deeper than fear.
Excerpt from the article: “Where Christ Comes Ashore: The Gospel of Belonging in the Fiji Islands”
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