“I want you to remeber this; one who loves is never weak. One who loves is always strong. The love you’ve extended to the wrong individuals will find its way back to you. Embrace love without regrets. Love is a spiritual investment. Love is the perfect way to live. Love is Christ.”
During the festive dinner held in his honor in Sydney on Friday, November 19, on the occasion of his name day, Archbishop Makarios of Australia made a paternal request to his guests, including hierarchs, clergy, and laity.
The dinner, whose funds were collected for the renovation of the Cathedral of the Annunciation, welcomed distinguished guests, including the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley, accompanied by her spouse, Dennis Wilson. The event was also attended by representatives from various levels of Australia’s political leadership, both federal and state, as well as local officials. Additionally, diplomats from numerous countries’ missions were present.
Among them were Courtney Houssos, State Minister for Finance, Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement and Natural Resources, who represented the Prime Minister of New South Wales Chris Minns, Mark Speakman, Leader of the Liberal Party and Head of the Opposition in the Parliament of New South Wales, Eleni Petinos, NSW Shadow Minister of Finance and Sports, Georgios Papakostas, Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Antonios Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Beka Dvali, Ambassador of Georgia, Radu Gabriel Safta, Ambassador of Romania, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine, Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Stavros Nikolaou, Deputy High Commissioner of Cyprus, Jasmina Pekmezovic, Consul General of Serbia in Sydney, and Ali Sevim, Consul General of Turkey in Sydney.
At the beginning of the event, the Choir of the Christian Union sang the national anthems of Greece and Australia, and then performed Greek traditional songs.
Following this, Governor Beazley warmly extended her greetings, highlighting the significant contribution of the Greek community to the advancement of Australia. She also commended Archbishop Makarios, the Primate of the Orthodox Church in Australia. On behalf of the Bishops, the Holy Clergy and all the faithful of the Holy Archdiocese, Bishop Silouan of Sinope, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Adelaide, extended warm wishes to the Archbishop.
Archbishop Makarios expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees for their honorable presence at the festive dinner. He also conveyed appreciation for the warmth and love he has received since his arrival on the fifth continent.
He also expressed his satisfaction with the climate of unity within the local Church and asked everyone to contribute to its preservation, particularly considering the challenges that mark the beginning of the second century of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia’s existence. “Unity between us is not a luxury or a matter of choice,” he said. He also pointed out:
“It is an indispensable element because unity is part of the very essence and identity of our Church. Together, as one body, we only move forward. And I extend an invitation to all of you to engage collectively, so that we can all share in the blessed moments that lie ahead—the centenary of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, which has just begun—both you and your children. May we embrace the joy that the Holy Spirit has in store for us.”
Referring to the ongoing anniversary year for the Orthodox Church of Australia, the Archbishop anticipated significant celebrations to take place throughout the country. He particularly emphasized the upcoming visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew scheduled for October.
On this occasion, he noted: “Throughout the past hundred years, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has played an important role in the life of the local Church, as evidenced by the records.
That is why our thoughts and prayers are with the ruling and suffering Church of Constantinople, our Ecumenical Patriarchate, and our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and we express our deepest respect and dedication.”
Finally, the Archbishop underlined that the history of the Orthodox Church and the Greek comunity in Audstralia was an integral part of the national history of Australia, He commemorated with gratitude the past generations of Greek immigrants who worked tirelessly and sacrificially for the advancment of the Greek community and the Church.
The Archbishop’s mention of the pioneering immigrants and the significant legacy handed down to younger generations was complemented by a brief audiovisual tribute showcasing the history of the Orthodox Church in Australia.
Throughout the dinner, the Lyceum Club of Greek Women in Sydney showcased traditional Greek dances. A noteworthy moment of the evening was Archbishop Makarios awarding the Order of Philochristes to individuals recognized for their selfless contributions to the Church and the broader society.
Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos