SIDNEY — For the whole Christian world and especially for us Orthodox Christians, the holiest and most respected human person is Panagia, the Virgin Mary. We respect, honour and express our gratitude to the Most Holy Theotokos, who contributed to the fulfillment of the divine Incarnation and, through it, paved the way for our salvation.

Praising and glorifying the Virgin Mary, the woman who united earth with heaven, we cannot but simultaneously recognise both the important and the multi-dimensional role of all women, in family, in our society, in humanity as a whole.

Today, on the occasion of the internationally agreed date that is dedicated to women’s rights, we are called to ponder our duty to build a world without discrimination between males and females, without contempt, without oppression, without exploitation of women; a world with absolute respect for our neighbour, whoever they may be.

Apostle Paul reminds us, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” and inspires us to struggle daily with dedication, and in every aspect of our lives and in our daily routines, for the elimination of discrimination and inequality.

“… for you are all one in Christ Jesus…”!