Archbishop Makarios of Australia discussed the preservation of the Greek language, the unity of the Greek diaspora, relations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the challenges facing Greek Australians in an interview with journalist Alexia Kolouri, broadcast as part of a Hellenic Parliament Television special dedicated to the Greek community in Australia.
The Archbishop outlined the initiatives undertaken by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia to preserve the Greek language, explained why plans to divide the Archdiocese were abandoned and discussed his conversations with the Prime Ministers of Greece and Australia concerning taxation issues affecting the Greek diaspora.
He also revealed plans to establish a museum dedicated to the history of Greek Australians and expressed concern about rapid developments in artificial intelligence.
“Dividing the Archdiocese would have been disastrous”
Archbishop Makarios spoke extensively about the administrative structure of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, revealing that, before his election, consideration had been given to establishing four independent ecclesiastical entities.
Following his election, he asked the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Holy and Sacred Synod for time to visit Australia, meet the faithful and personally assess the needs of the local Church.
“When I arrived here, the first thing I realized, and what I heard from many people, was that dividing the Archdiocese would have been disastrous,” he stated.
According to the Archbishop, such a decision would have created legal difficulties, while the preservation of ecclesiastical unity was an even more important consideration.
Instead of dividing the Archdiocese, the decision was made, with the assistance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to appoint regional bishops and establish a local Synod.
Archbishop Makarios said the new administrative structure was functioning effectively. He noted that having bishops whose titles correspond to Australian cities also facilitates communication between the Church and local authorities.
“I am a soldier of the Church and the Patriarchate”
Discussing his relationship with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop Makarios emphasized that he regards his mission in Australia as service to the Church.
“I am a soldier of the Church, a soldier of the Patriarchate,” he declared, stressing the importance of ecclesiastical unity and his relationship with the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Referring to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, he said they maintain close communication and described him as an important source of spiritual support.
“I respect him and love him, and I consider him a father, brother and friend,” the Archbishop said.
Greek-language proficiency becomes mandatory for future clergy
One of the central themes of the interview was the preservation of the Greek language among younger generations of the diaspora.
Archbishop Makarios explained that the Archdiocese has strengthened its afternoon Greek-language schools and restored educational programs in parishes where they had previously been discontinued.
He also highlighted growing interest among adults in learning Greek, which has led to the establishment of additional language classes.
In Melbourne, the Archdiocese has established Aetolian College, which operates programs in numerous parishes and provides structured Greek-language courses at different levels. According to the Archbishop, more than 1,000 students are enrolled in its programs.
He also revealed that proficiency in Greek is now a mandatory requirement for graduation from the Theological College.
“If you do not present a B2-level Greek-language proficiency certificate, you cannot receive your degree from the Theological College,” he explained.
The Archbishop emphasized that this requirement is directly connected to preserving the Greek language in parishes, as future clergy must be able to communicate in Greek.
“When a language is not used, it is consigned to the dustbin of history,” he warned.
Archbishop Makarios also announced that a new university-level initiative is being prepared in Melbourne in cooperation with the Theological College, although he did not disclose further details.
Regarding funding, he clarified that the Archdiocese has neither received financial assistance from Greece for these educational initiatives nor submitted a request for such support.
He explained that his objective is financial self-sufficiency, ensuring that the Archdiocese’s initiatives do not depend on external funding that could eventually be discontinued.
Double taxation: A major concern for Greek Australians
Archbishop Makarios also addressed relations between the Greek diaspora and the Greek government, identifying double taxation as one of the major concerns facing Greek Australians.
He argued that the issue discourages members of the diaspora from investing in Greece.
“If you have to be taxed twice, that is neither fair nor right,” he stated, calling for arrangements similar to those Greece has established with other countries.
The Archbishop revealed that he had discussed the matter with both Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
According to Archbishop Makarios, both governments have expressed willingness to resolve the issue. He also recalled that the Greek Prime Minister had planned to visit Australia and make relevant announcements, but the trip was postponed because of the war in the Middle East.
In a March interview, Mitsotakis confirmed that the core provisions of a double taxation agreement had essentially been agreed upon, although some shipping-related matters remained outstanding. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to list the agreement as under negotiation.
Connecting the issue to electoral participation, Archbishop Makarios suggested that addressing the concerns of Greek Australians could encourage greater involvement in Greece’s electoral processes.
He observed that participation among Greeks abroad in the European Parliament elections had been limited relative to the opportunities available.
A museum dedicated to the history of Greek Australians
Turning to the Archdiocese’s future plans, Archbishop Makarios announced that its new facilities will include a museum dedicated to the history and presence of Greeks in Australia.
According to the Archbishop, construction is expected to begin in December 2026 or January 2027.
The museum will be located next to the Cathedral and will form part of a larger complex that will also include a spacious multipurpose hall.
The objective is to establish a center where visitors can explore Orthodox theology through the Cathedral’s iconography before discovering the history of the Greek community in Australia.
An extensive artistic installation is also planned for the events hall, illustrating the historical journey of Greek Australians, from the arrival of the first Greek immigrants to the establishment of the first churches and the community’s participation in Australian public life.
“We want to preserve our history and our tradition, but above all […] we will use this space as a stepping stone toward the future,” Archbishop Makarios explained.
He added that the themes of the artistic presentation have already been determined and preparations are underway.
“Our future is more precious than our past”
Discussing the future of Hellenism, Archbishop Makarios emphasized the importance of historical memory while warning against allowing the past to become an obstacle to progress.
“Our future is more precious than our past,” he declared, encouraging Greeks both in Australia and in Greece to focus on the opportunities and challenges of the coming decades.
He stressed that Greeks living abroad did not settle in their adopted countries solely to survive or secure better living conditions.
Instead, he argued that they have a broader mission involving the preservation and promotion of their faith, culture, unity and love.
Reflecting on his own ministry, Archbishop Makarios explained that he strives to remain focused on the future, with Christ as his constant spiritual point of reference.
“I look toward Christ; I look neither to the right nor to the left,” he stated, explaining that he seeks to avoid being distracted by criticism and the difficulties he encounters.
Archbishop Makarios expresses concern about artificial intelligence and ChatGPT
In the final part of the interview, Archbishop Makarios addressed the challenges posed by rapid technological developments, focusing particularly on artificial intelligence.
He clarified that he is not opposed to technology, which he uses himself. Nevertheless, he expressed concern about the speed of technological advancement and humanity’s ability to adapt.
Referring specifically to ChatGPT, the Archbishop observed that it has become an increasingly prominent part of many people’s daily lives.
“We have now reached a point where ChatGPT is the modern-day guru, providing answers to every question,” he remarked.
He also raised concerns about the tendency of such systems to provide users with answers that correspond to their expectations.
“Very often, it also gives us the answer we want. And that, you know, makes the relationship more addictive,” he said.
The Archbishop emphasized that he does not regard technology itself as a threat. Rather, his concern lies in the pace of change, which he believes much of humanity is struggling to keep up with.
Concluding, he expressed his belief that, with God’s grace, humanity will find ways to address emerging technological challenges as circumstances evolve.
