Archbishop Makarios of Australia expressed his deep connection to both Australia and Greece during an event celebrating Greek-Australian friendship at the Federal Parliament of Australia in Canberra on March 27.
The gathering, organized by the Parliamentary Friendship Group of Greece-Australia and the Parliamentary Group of Friends of Greece, commemorated the Anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821 and the centenary of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
The event, attended by Federal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other political leaders, as well as representatives from the Greek State and Cyprus, highlighted the enduring bonds between the two nations.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios emphasized the significance of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Greek Revolution of 1821, connecting them to the establishment of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. He stressed the Archdiocese’s century-long commitment to unity and its unique role as the sole Christian Church in Australia with a national administrative system.
Reflecting on the responsibility entrusted to him by God, Archbishop Makarios thanked attendees for their support and invited them to join in the centenary celebrations of the Holy Archdiocese, culminating in the anticipated Apostolic Visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
In his address, the Archbishop said: “When asked whether I am Greek or Australian, I respond with pride: I am Australian with a Greek heart.
“I am an Australian who hails from the birthplace of Democracy. Raised in the ethos that values truth over material wealth, instilled in me through Greek schooling, I embrace the essence of philosophy. My mother tongue is Greek, a language steeped in a 4,000-year-old legacy, serving as the bedrock of scientific terminology and influencing countless other languages. Indeed, this very speech, delivered today, comprises 50% Greek words,” he added.
“Though Australian by nationality, I represent the Orthodox Greeks of Oceania, a community exceeding one million strong. It is my duty to uphold the noble ideals symbolized by the Greek flag—a flag bearing five blue lines and four white ones, each representing a syllable of the profound Greek motto: ‘E-lef-the-ri-a’ or ‘Tha-na-tos’ (Freedom or Death),” the Archbishop underscored.
“As an Australian, I am committed to nurturing and fortifying the bonds between our two cherished homelands, Greece and Australia. Assuming this esteemed position and monumental responsibility follows the remarkable legacy of the Archdiocese of Australia and its century-long history in this nation,” he concluded.
The event concluded with a vibrant music and dance program featuring Greek cultural performances and traditional cuisine, fostering further camaraderie and cultural exchange between Australia and Greece.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas