The Clergy and Laity of St Spyridon Parish welcomed Archbishop Makarios of Australia and all Oceania for the very first time on Tuesday 2nd July 2019.
Upon arrival, Archbishop Makarios was greeted by Bishop Seraphim of Apollonia, Father Steven Scoutas, Father Amphilohios Papantoniou, the President of the Parish Dr Thomas Savoulis and the members of the Board of Governors.
As Archbishop ascended the steps of St Spyridon Church he was showered with rose petals by the Students of St Spyridon College as a sign of respect and love.
Having venerated the Holy Altar and the sacred icon of St Spyridon the Wonderworker, the Archbishop and his entourage of 35, including his parents, Emmanuel and Photini, together with relatives and friends who had paid their own way to Australia for the Enthronement Service, were escorted to the adjoining Primary School of St Spyridon College.
There, he was welcomed by the Head of College Efrosini Stefanou and the teachers of the Greek programme. Archbishop Makarios was shown the Information Technology laboratory and the Library and promised to pay a lengthy visit to both campuses at his first opportunity after the school holidays.
Following prayer and the blessing of the table, the Archbishop was given an official “Welcome to Nation” by Aunty Maxine of the La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council.
On behalf of St Spyridon College, Master of Ceremonies Mr Alex Yules acknowledged the traditional land owners, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation and paid respects to elders past and present.
Seated at the Official Table, apart from Archbishop Makarios, Father Steven, Father Amphilohios and Dr Thomas Savoulis, were Metropolitan Stephanos of Tallinn and All Estonia representing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Holy Synod, Metropolitan Constantinos of Singapore, Metropolitan Panteleimon of Maroneia and Komotini, Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand and Bishop Seraphim of Apollonia.
In his closing speech, speaking in Greek and impeccable English, Archbishop Makarios expressed his admiration for all that has is being achieved by St Spyridon Parish. He thanked everyone for the flowers presented to his parents and for the gift of a hierarchical mandyas presented to himself. Finally, he promised that he would maintain a strong relationship with St Spyridon Church and College and expressed his love to all.
