Archbishop Makarios of Australia paid a brief pastoral visit to Western Australia on January 14 and 15. The primary purpose of his visit was to preside over the Funeral Service of the late Magdalene, the mother of Archimandrite Makarios Souris. Simultaneously, he engaged with the clergy and residents of Perth to foster spiritual communion.
Upon arriving at the city’s airport, Archbishop Makarios received a warm welcome from the Archiepiscopal Vicar of Perth, Bishop Elpidios of Kyanes, and the clergy and laity of Western Australia.
During his stay, a Hieratic Synaxis was held, during which the Archbishop provided an insightful analysis of the local Church’s journey over the past century. He also discussed the visions and prospects for the future. The Archbishop took the opportunity to inform the Holy Clergy of Perth about the upcoming visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Australia. In collaboration with Bishop Elpidios, plans were formulated for the participation of the faithful from Western Australia in the 100th-anniversary celebrations in Sydney. Archbishop Makarios urged unity, emphasizing the importance of overcoming past mistakes to move forward.
Interventions were made by Bishop Elpidios and the clergy present during the Holy Synaxis. The Archbishop’s message centered on the responsibility bestowed upon them to conclude the first century and embark on the history of the second, urging unity for progress.
“God has given us this great joy, honor, blessing and responsibility, so that we will be the ones who will finish the first hundred years and begin to write the history of the second. Please let’s start the new chapter of our Archdiocese united and not divided. Let’s overcome and forget the mistakes of the past, because with unity we can only move forward and thrive,” the Archbishop said in his address.
During the Funeral Service for Magdalene, Bishop Elpidios spoke about her life, and Archbishop Makarios conveyed the condolences of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Fr. Makarios and the family. Archbishop Makarios highlighted Magdalene’s character, noting that she was someone who spoke little but expressed much.
Following the Funeral Service, Archbishop Makarios headed to Sydney, where he had scheduled meetings with government officials to address matters concerning Hellenism and the Church.
Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas