In his message for National Reconciliation Week 2025, Archbishop Makarios of Australia reflects on the ongoing journey of unity and healing between First Nations peoples and the broader Australian society. Recalling the powerful symbolism of the 2000 walk across Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, he emphasizes the importance of continuing to “cross that symbolic bridge” each year—connecting past achievements with future hopes for reconciliation.
He highlights the significance of the 27 May 1967 referendum and the 3 June 1992 Mabo decision as key historical milestones, calling Australians to approach this week with empathy and a renewed commitment to justice and mutual respect.
Addressing Orthodox Christians in particular, the Archbishop reminds the faithful that the Gospel calls them to “build bridges that unite and reconcile”, urging the dismantling of all forms of discrimination. He concludes with an invitation to deepen understanding of the sacred land of Australia, to foster sincere relationships with its First Peoples, and to actively contribute—through prayer, speech, and action—toward a fairer and truly reconciled society.
Read the message from Archbishop Makarios of Australia for National Reconciliation Week 2025
On the 28th of May 2000, Sydney’s Harbour Bridge was transformed into a symbol of unity and commitment to the noble cause of genuine reconciliation within the Australian Nation. Tens of thousands of people – Aboriginal Australians, Torres Strait Islander peoples, and non-Indigenous Australians – walked side by side and raised their voices together, proclaiming that a truly united nation is one in which no one is left behind.
Each year, during this time, we are called to cross once again that symbolic bridge which unites the existing achievements with the hopes for a future marked by deeper reconciliation between the broader Australian society and the First Peoples of this land. The beginning and end of this symbolic journey are marked by two historic events that became milestones in the effort to rectify past mistakes and injustices: the anniversary of the 27th of May 1967 referendum, and the High Court decision in the Mabo case on the 3rd of June 1992.
As we enter this year’s National Reconciliation Week, now is the moment to stand before history with empathy, to learn from the dark chapters of the past as well as from the luminous legacy of recent decades, and to reaffirm our commitment to continually strengthening the bonds of mutual respect and understanding.
This challenge concerns all of us who share a common present and the responsibility for a common future in this blessed land of Australia. Even more so, it concerns us Orthodox Christians, for the Gospel of love, peace, and justice compels us to dismantle barriers, tear down the walls of discrimination, and build bridges that unite and reconcile people.
Let us seize this opportunity to grow in our understanding of the sacred land in which God has placed us to live, to deepen our relationship with its First Peoples, and through our prayers, our words, and our actions, to leave our own mark on the journey toward a fairer and truly reconciled Australian society.
