World Youth Day Cross at St Johns Melkite Church

World Youth Day Cross Plaque

A message written in 6 langaues by Pope John Paul II

"My dear young people, at the conlcusion of the Holy Year, I entrust to you the sign of this Jubilee Year: The Cross of Christi carry it throughout the world as a symbol of Christ's love for humanity, and proclaim to everyone that it is only in Christ, who died and rose from the dead, that salvation and redemption are to be found.

Robert Hadded gives a talk about the Cross

Robert Haddad is the Sydney University Catholic Chaplain. He lectures at the Centre for Thomistic Studies in Apologetics and also tutors at the University of Notre Dame. He has been involved since 1991 in adult faith education through Lumen Verum Apologetics. He has authored many books and his most famous work is his 400 page book: Defend the Faith!

World Youth Day Icon

Praying infront of the Theotkos icon at St Johns Melkite Church.

In 2003, Pope John Paul II gave young people a second symbol of faith to be carried in the world, accompanying the WYD Cross - the Icon of Our Lady, 'Salus Populi Romani', a contemporary copy of a sacred and ancient icon housed in the first and greatest basilica to Mary the Mother of God in the West, St Mary Major.

Today I also entrust to you... the Icon of Mary. From now on it will accompany the World Youth Days, together with the Cross. Behold, your Mother! It will be a sign of Mary's motherly presence close to young people who are called, like the Apostle John, to welcome her into their lives. Rome, 18th World Youth Day, 2003

St Johns Melkite Church Chandeliers

St Johns Melkite Church Wooden Carving

I spent a long time staring at this interesting peice of wood work trying to figure it out.
Is it a women holding her son?
A person kneeling or wanting support?
A version of Newtons Cradle?
If anyone knows what it means, let us know!

St Johns Melkite Church Candles

Our Lady of Australia Icon

St Johns Melkite Church Icon

This icon is inside the front entry wall.

St Johns Melkite Church

St Johns Melkite Church at Christmas