On Sunday, January 10, Archbishop Makarios of Australia spoke about many issues on Greek public television.
During the discussion, the Archbishop spoke of issues related to the current pandemic and the issue of vaccination while mentioning the events planned in Australia to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821.
In his statement on vaccination issue, as reported by vema.com.au, the Archbishop of Australia made it clear that citizens must take up this promising challenge in dealing with the pandemic, noting that he too will be vaccinated, even in public, to make a symbolic gesture of confidence in the vaccines and the procedure followed.
The Archbishop pointed out that, when the vaccinations start in Australia as of the middle of February, in addition to this, there will be other vaccines, for which no moral doubt arises. “I want to emphasize this and to be heard by our compatriots in Greece,” he added, “but also by the clergy and the monks and some bishops who raise concerns.”
He pointed out that, after having experience dealing with issues related to bioethics, the Archbishop has done extensive research, which shows that both the Phizer vaccine, which is currently available in Greece, and the company Moderna, there is no doubt of a moral, religious, spiritual or church nature. “That is why people, without any difficulty and without any moral concern, should be vaccinated,” he stressed.
Speaking of the course of the pandemic in Australia, the Archbishop also referred to the restrictive measures in force and their impact on the liturgical life of the local Church. “We move forward with understanding and cooperation,” he stressed, among other things, while focusing on the need to give convincing answers to the questions and objections raised by the faithful.
“If we do not give answers, this gap will be filled by someone else,” he underlined and pointed out that in similar trials experienced by humankind in the past “rebellious tendencies were created and people found a way to deceive other people or take advantage of situations.” “In Australia,” he added, “I do not want to leave this gap because it is a very sensitive area. That is why our Bishops and I try to answer the questions of our people.”
Finally, regarding the events for the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution, Archbishop Makarios referred to the preparations made since last June, through the 20-member National Committee set up by the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, and the drafting of a program with more from 250 events all over Australia. “I will say something that I do not want to sound excessive and I certainly do not want to underestimate our homeland, Greece, to which we are grateful here in Australia. I believe that the events to be held here will not be similar to those in another part of the world,” noted the Archbishop.
He pointed out that the planned events would “embrace” Australia and added that the main goal was not only to address the Greek citizens of the country, but also “to give a testimony to Australian society.”
“That’s why in all Australian universities,” he explained, “there will be official events, either conferences, workshops or lectures, that will present this great event of our Nation. Among the many, we will unveil five monuments in major Australian cities. “These monuments will each be a point of reference for this great event of the 200th anniversary.”
