Sleeba Perunnal 2025 | Feast of the Cross at St George Indian Orthodox Church Brisbane

Sleeba Perunnal Celebrated at SGIOC Brisbane

On Sunday, 14th September 2025, St George Indian Orthodox Church Brisbane (SGIOC) joyfully celebrated Sleeba Perunnal, also known as the Feast of the Cross. This feast is one of the great feasts of the Church, commemorating the discovery of the Holy Cross by St Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, and is observed annually on 14th September.

The day began with Holy Qurbana, after which Rev. Fr. Anish Mathew, vicar of SGIOC, delivered a beautiful and meaningful homily on the significance of Sleeba Perunnal. In his message, he reflected on the Cross as the symbol of victory, hope, and salvation for all Christians, encouraging the faithful to take up their own crosses and follow Christ in their daily lives.

Rev. Fr. Anish also explained how the liturgical calendar of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is structured around two main seasons: Kyomtha, which runs from Easter until 14th September, and Sleeba, which begins with the Feast of the Cross and continues until the next Easter. This division helps the faithful journey through the life, passion, and resurrection of Christ in a cyclical manner, connecting every believer to the rhythm of salvation history.

While Sleeba Perunnal often falls on a weekday, this year’s celebration on a Sunday allowed the entire parish community to gather in larger numbers and celebrate the feast together with great devotion and joy.

Following the service, the parishioners enjoyed fellowship over food and refreshments, making the occasion a time of both spiritual enrichment and community bonding.