With feelings of joy, emotion, and pride, Archbishop Makarios of Australia warmly welcomed the 14-member delegation of the Presidential Guard of the Hellenic Republic to Sydney on Monday, April 28. The elite unit is visiting Australia to participate in commemorative events marking ANZAC Day (April 25).
The official reception of the distinguished honor guard of Greece, known as the Evzones, took place at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos. Present at the event were the Premier of New South Wales, Mr. Chris Minns, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr. Ioannis Mallikourtis. An official Doxology was celebrated by Archbishop Makarios, who was joined by Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Chief Secretary of the Holy Archdiocesan Council.
At the conclusion of the Doxology, addressing the Evzones, Archbishop Makarios emphasized that their presence in Australia “deeply touches the soul of our people.” He highlighted that their visit both strengthens the ties of the Greek diaspora with the motherland and reminds everyone of the indissoluble bond forged between Greece and Australia through shared struggles and sacrifices for the ideals of freedom, democracy, and human dignity.
He also warmly welcomed the Premier of New South Wales, describing his presence as a strong affirmation that the historic ties between Greece and Australia remain alive and thriving. “You honor the sacrifices of the past as well as the responsibilities of the present,” the Archbishop remarked, thanking Mr. Minns for the support shown by the state government toward the commemorative events involving the Presidential Guard, as well as for his respect for Greek heritage and acknowledgment of the Greek community’s contribution to the broader society of New South Wales and Australia.
In closing, Archbishop Makarios expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Evzones for undertaking the long journey to Australia. He urged the clergy and faithful to surround them with the love, respect, and honor they deserve and expressed his confidence that the events honoring the men and women of the ANZAC Corps, with the participation of the Greek Presidential Guard, would renew everyone’s commitment to the high ideals that have shaped history and will continue to illuminate the future.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
