During his visit to the capital of Western Australia, Archbishop Makarios of Australia honored three retired clergymen for their long, prosperous ministry and invaluable contributions to the Orthodox Church and Hellenism on the fifth continent. The distinguished Protopresbyters Fr. Theoklitos Tsachouridis, Fr. Georgios Litas, and Fr. Panagiotis Dimitrakos were awarded the Order of the Philochristos, the highest distinction of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, by the Archbishop.
The award ceremony took place on Sunday, July 14, during the official celebration meal for the centenary of the foundation of the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Perth. Archbishop Makarios expressed deep gratitude for the three clergymen, who have adorned the sacred altar and led countless souls to Christ, serving their high priestly ministry with divine zeal.
In his remarks, the Archbishop highlighted the importance of recognizing the efforts and contributions of the older generations, emphasizing their role in securing many of the privileges we enjoy today. “We live in a time,” he noted, “when people are reluctant to acknowledge others and do not easily say ‘thank you’.” He urged the younger generation to honor their Greek Orthodox heritage by regularly using the words “thank you” and “sorry.”
The Archbishop’s heartfelt tribute serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy and dedication of these esteemed clergymen, whose service has profoundly impacted the Greek Orthodox community in Australia.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
