During his visit to Brisbane, the new Archbishop of Australia, Makarios, made his first official visit to the Parliament of Queensland today.
The Archbishop was welcomed at the official entrance by the President of the Parliament Mr. Curtis Pitt, who led him to the reception hall, where many ministers, ambassadors, Bishops of the Catholic and Anglican Church, and prominent officials of Greek expatriates were awaiting.
The President of the Parliament in his welcome speech addressed the new Archbishop of Australia at Queensland and thanked him for accepting the invitation, while emphasizing that Archbishop Makarios is a person who has pleasantly surprised all Australian society. “You really are a gift to Australia and we are lucky to have you with us”, he characteristically said.
From his part, the Archbishop referred to the challenges of the day and the relationship Hellenism has with the local community. He thanked the local Parliament for its timeless contribution to Hellenism and the Orthodox Church and promised unity and cooperation.
Afterwards, Archbishop Makarios was guided to the Parliament by President Curtis Pitt.
