During the pastoral visit of Archbishop Makarios of Australia in Queensland, in an atmosphere of spiritual joy and excitement, the elevation of the Proistamenos of the Holy Church of Saint George, Brisbane, Father Dimitri Tsakas, to Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, was performed.
The elevation was officiated by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who explained that this highest honor for a married clergyman is awarded to persons who have proved, through their ministry, that they work for the Mother Church with inherent zeal, devotion, and ecclesiastical ethos and mind-set.
“And this is exactly what Father Dimitri has done”, he pointed out with emphasis, while conveying the prayers and blessings of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the honored clergyman, to his family, and to the Parish of Saint George, Brisbane.
At the same time, Archbishop Makarios, addressed Father Dimitri, “You must continue to defend the rights of the Mother Church of Constantinople because from today you become an ambassador of our Ecumenical Patriarchate”.
The honored clergyman thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Archbishop of Australia, while during a formal dinner given, the President and the members of the Parish Council of Saint George, Brisbane, asked Archbishop Makarios to convey to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, their thanks and gratitude, as well as their anticipation of seeing the Patriarch in Queensland during his 2024 visit to Australia.
