Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis represented Archbishop Makarios of Australia at the opening of the Exhibition “Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors, and Heroes” at the National Museum of Australia in Cambrai.
The Exhibition will last until May 1, 2022. The official opening ceremony was also attended by the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, George Papakostas, representatives of the Greek community and the political world.
The program of the ceremony included a tour of the Exhibition and greetings addressed by the officials. Bishop Bartholomew thanked the organizers on behalf of Archbishop Makarios and talked about the value of exhibits, the importance for the ancient Greeks of the virtues of collectivity, courage, perseverance, love, and devotion, and for the obligation of the Greeks of Australia to imitate in their lives these virtues.
Afterwards, the Bishop of Charioupolis wished everyone a Merry Christmas, on behalf of the Archbishop, and the new year to be accompanied by prosperity, security, and happiness.
It is noted that an important moment of the event was the Sanctification rite performed by the Bishop, assisted by the priest of the Parish of Saint Nicholas in Canberra, Fr. Petros Kipouros. It was the first time such a Service was performed at the National Museum of Australia.
After the ceremony, a formal dinner followed.