On Monday, July 20, Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed the Greek Men’s National Water Polo Team, who are currently in Sydney competing in the final stage of the World Cup (22–26 July 2026).
Accompanied by Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint George at Yellow Rock; Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, chief secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod; and Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta, chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia; the Archbishop warmly received head coach Mr Theodoros Vlachos, the players, and the team’s coaching staff at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos.
After extending a heartfelt welcome and thanking the delegation for visiting the seat of the Orthodox Church in Australia, the Archbishop gave them a brief presentation on the history of the cathedral, its ongoing iconographic decoration, and the history, administrative structure, and pastoral ministry of the local church in support of the thriving, dynamic Greek Orthodox community throughout Australia.
The Archbishop then wished the Greek team every success in their upcoming matches, reminding the players that although victory is the natural goal of every athlete, life’s true meaning is not solely measured by worldly achievements and honours. “In sport, victory is always the objective,” he remarked, “but we Orthodox Christians have learned how to live even without victories. Above all, we want to be well, to find joy in what we do, and to remain mindful of the purpose for which we do it.”
In particular, he encouraged the younger athletes to devote themselves not only to maintaining their physical health and strength, but also to cultivating their spiritual and inner life. He noted that modern society tends to prioritise physical fitness and outward appearance, urging the players to set aside a few minutes each day to nurture their souls. Stressing that the human person is an inseparable unity of body and soul, he emphasised that ‘if our soul is not healthy, our body will eventually collapse.’
During the visit, the Archbishop enjoyed warm and meaningful conversations with all the members of the delegation, who sought and received his blessing. At the end of the meeting, commemorative gifts were exchanged. The Greek National Team presented the Archbishop with a water polo ball bearing the signatures of all the players. In turn, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia presented each member of the delegation with commemorative coins and postage stamps from its centenary anniversary collection.
