With profound spiritual joy, heartfelt gratitude to the Mother Church, and praises to God, two historic milestones were celebrated on Sunday, March 10, by the Holy Archdiocese of Australia: the centennial anniversary of its establishment (marked by the issuance of a founding Tomos on March 7, 1924) and the recent landmark decisions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate regarding the preliminary approval of its new Constitution.
The focal point of the celebration was the Church of Archangel Michael of Panormitis located in the suburb of Crows Nest in Sydney, where Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the ceremony. Following the Divine Liturgy, a Doxology was performed, the Archbishop’s Encyclical on the aforementioned historical events was read, and the Ecumenical Patriarch’s Polychronio [a hymn for the granting of many years] was chanted.
In his brief address, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the blessed occasion of the Holy Archdiocese’s centenary and the promising decisions made for the future of the local Church. These decisions, endorsed by the Holy Synod and positively recommended by the Ecumenical Patriarch during the February 28, 2024 meeting, signify a significant step forward. He pointed out that “we owe everything to the Mother Church and to our Patriarch.”
Furthermore, during his visit to the Church, the Archbishop bestowed the Order of Philochriston upon one of the distinguished individuals who diligently serve the Parish of Crows Nest. The Archbishop, during the awarding of the medal, heartily wished the Citizen to have health and strength, and to continue for many more years to teach with her ethos and testimony to the younger generations. During the award presentation, the Archbishop warmly expressed his wish for Athina Politi to enjoy good health and strength, and to continue imparting her ethos and wisdom to younger generations for many years to come.
Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos