Highlights
- Year 12 exams are kicking off across the country
- Archbishop Makarios has penned a message with words of support for students sitting the exams
- Circumstances have been disruptive for Year 12 students throughout most of the year due to the pandemic
Citing a particularly challenging school year due to coronavirus-imposed restrictions, the Archbishop to “aim high and study hard” against all odds.
Remote learning has arguably posed the biggest challenge for students, on top of the usual workload for their final year, particularly for Melburnians who endured back to back lockdowns.
Nevertheless, the assessments’ schedule is underway, with New South Wales students starting with English this Tuesday.
The HSC exams will continue until 11 November under COVID-19 safety measures, as is the case in Victoria, with VCE exams set to conclude by end of November – 1 December.
In his heartfelt message to students approaching their milestone weeks of the year, Archbishop Makarios extended his support and prayers, reminding the faithful youth at the same time that exam results are not the most important measure of their success.
Read the full message by Archbishop Makarios
My beloved students and children in the Lord,
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear… for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” I want to convey these words from the Old Testament to you along with my blessing and best wishes for your final exams that you will be starting very shortly.
This has been a very disruptive year with the restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, be mindful that it is our Lord, Jesus Christ, who is the One governing our lives as long as we turn to Him and ask for His help. So, do not be afraid. There is no room for fear for the people of God. We have a loving Father and a caring Mother in Panagia. Pray to them and ask them to be with you.
Do your best; aim high and study hard. But as your Archbishop and Spiritual Father, I want to remind you that the most important measure of success is how close we are to Christ. No matter how well or not so well you do in your exams, “all things work together for good to those who love God”, as St Paul tells us.
Without Him, all the worldly accomplishments mean nothing. Only what lasts for eternity has substance and can make a difference and can transform our everyday lives and that of those around us. Keep Him in the equation of your life and in your relationships. My beloved children, be courageous and confident in the challenge that is set before you.
I wholeheartedly extend my support and my own prayers for your success; success for your exams; but, also, success in the choices that you make regarding your personal relationship with Christ and His Church. Καλή δύναμη. May God strengthen and bless all of you.
