Archbishop Makarios of Australia received warm wishes for his recent name day from a multitude of Greek expatriates in the vibrant Greek community of Melbourne.
The official dinner in his honor took place at the Cretan Village on Sunday, January 21, drawing the attendance of hundreds.
The distinguished event was graced by the presence of Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, along with the Bishops of Militoupolis, Iakovos, Elpidios of Kyanea, Kyriakos of Sozopolis, Evmenios of Kerasountos, Bartholomew of Charioupolis, and Themistoklis of Nikopolis (Patriarchate of Alexandria). Notable figures, including the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, political leaders, such as Federal MP Maria Vamvakinou representing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the President of the Intercommunal Committee of Victoria, Antonios Tsourdalakis, the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Vasilis Papastergiadis, and various heads and representatives of Parish-Communities, Archdiocesan institutions, and Greek community organizations, enriched the event. Among them was the presence of Nikolaos Archontonis, the brother of the Ecumenical Patriarch, accompanied by his wife Aikaterini.
The evening featured speeches from dignitaries and an address by Archbishop Makarios. Emphasizing the significance of the ongoing centennial year marking the founding of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, he conveyed a unifying message, urging collective engagement to meet the challenges of the new century. “Let us be united in the name of Christ and under the roof of our Archdiocese. Let us all move forward together for the glory of Christ, our Nation, and our Faith,” urged the Metropolitan. He also highlighted the upcoming Apostolic Visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Australia in October.
The event’s proceeds will be dedicated to the Drug Rehabilitation Center named “Elpis.”
Archbishop Makarios, surrounded by students from St. John’s College and the Oakleigh Grammar School, ceremoniously cut the Vasilopita. Distinguished members of the local Church were honored with the Order of the Philochristians for their valuable contributions to Greek Orthodox parishes in Melbourne and the State of Victoria.
The festivities reached a lively conclusion with traditional Greek dances performed by the members of the Florina Association “Aristotle.”
Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas