Gospel
The widow of Nain
Sunday 2 November 2025 · Luke 7:11–17
The day after healing the centurion's servant, Christ went to a city called Nain, with His disciples and a large crowd. As He came near the city gate, a dead man was being carried out: the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.
When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." He touched the open coffin, and those who carried it stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." The one who was dead sat up and began to speak, and Christ presented him to his mother.
Fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us," and, "God has visited His people." And the report about Him went throughout all Judea and the surrounding region.
Read the whole passage at home this week: Luke 7:11–17.
From the pulpit
Renewal through repentance
Fr Anthony · Sermon summary
I recently met a man at church who hadn't confessed in eight years. We were sitting beside the icon of St Augustine, and I don't see it as a coincidence. If we look at the icon, we see St Augustine being baptised by St Ambrose in an octagonal baptismal font. The early Church Fathers interpreted the number eight as a symbol of new beginnings, a new day, a renewal. It was no coincidence that this man came into the church and wanted to confess after eight years.
He told me his story, and said he had moved away from a cycle of sin by leaving his suburb and relocating to a new area. He had such fervent repentance that he abandoned the life he knew and exchanged it for the one he wished to live.
In the book of Proverbs, chapter 27, it says, "A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself." He completely escapes. This is true repentance: when we no longer want a sinful life and seek to renew our spirits.
When Father Mark speaks of confession, he says there is a tendency for people to come in fear. He says we should instead come excited for a fresh start, enthusiastic to shed the old person and to start anew.
A new beginning for our church
This Saturday marks a new beginning for our church. It will be the ordination of Daniel Ishak, who will serve as a gift to this church: a church that, since its conception, has not had a dedicated parish priest, but instead has had priests on a rotating roster. Just like this Gospel, just like the man who came to confess his sins, God is making this church new again by giving us a new shepherd and a new start.
The Bible, in 1 John, says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The Church, the crucifixion of Christ, and the resurrection of Christ all exist to give us new life, a fresh start, and a clean slate.
St John Climacus, from the 6th century AD, said, "Repentance is the renewal of baptism." In baptism, we receive the forgiveness of our sins and the promise of eternal life. He is saying that when you repent, you receive the renewal of the gift of baptism. Repentance is a contract with God for another chance, a second life.
From this Saturday, you will have someone who is with you in stability, week after week after week. Develop a friendship with your priest, who is there to offer the sacraments in service to you all. May we all be encouraged to begin the sacramental life of repentance and confession on this new journey together, as one family and one congregation in Christ.
Ordination
Daniel Ishak's ordination
Friday 7 November, from 7:30pmPrayer EveningAn evening of prayer for Dr Daniel Ishak and his family, in the English Church at St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church, 70 Wollongong Road, Arncliffe.
Saturday 8 November, 8amOrdination dayThe ordination will take place at St John's Coptic Orthodox Church.
Child minding will be available for children aged 6 and under (who must be toilet trained) at the house next door, 35 Culwulla Street, South Hurstville. This service is only available to children already enrolled in St John's Sunday School; registration was through TryBooking.
Live streaming will be set up in the Sunday School hall. Watch on the St John's YouTube channel.
Please join us after the service for lunch. Tables will be set up in the food hall, the downstairs soccer court and the outdoor courtyard. A professional photographer will be there to capture moments from this special day.
