On Monday, March 25, Archbishop Makarios of Australia extended a warm welcome to the Deputy Minister of Interior of Greece, Theodore Livanios, during his official visit to Australia. The meeting took place at the Archdiocesan Office, located at the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese in Sydney.
The Archbishop expressed his gratitude to the minister for his esteemed presence at the celebrations of the Greek Diaspora commemorating the National Anniversary of the Greek Revolution and the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos. Following this, they engaged in a cordial and constructive dialogue, addressing various issues concerning the Greek community of the fifth continent and exploring ways to further strengthen its ties with the motherland. On this occasion, the Archbishop commended the implementation of the letter vote for the European elections and referendums, and expressed support for efforts to extend this initiative to national elections. He emphasized that such measures greatly facilitate the exercise of voting rights for Greeks living abroad. For this reason, he extended his gratitude to the minister, and through him, to the entire Greek Government, including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
In addition, Archbishop Makarios briefed the minisrer on the work carried out by the Orthodox Church in Australia, on the celebration of its centenary this year and on the upcoming Apostolic Visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the fifth continent.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of the Order of Philochristes with Star to the minister. This prestigious award, the Order of Philochristes with Star, symbolizes the deep appreciation of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia for the minister’s exemplary dedication to the Church and the noble values of the Nation.
In his response, the minister expressed sincere gratitude to Archbishop Makarios of Australia for his gracious welcome and generous hospitality. He also commended the Archbishop for his significant contributions to the Greek community and Orthodoxy in Australia.
The meeting was attended by Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevastia, Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, as well as associates of the Deputy Minister of Interior of Greece.
Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos
