On Pentecost Sunday, May 31, Archbishop Makarios of Australia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the feast-day church of Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) in Paddington, Sydney.
The visit marked the Archbishop’s first to the historic church, which served as the first cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and was officially recognized as a national heritage site by the relevant Australian authority in 2020.
In his address following the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the church’s historical significance, noting that it had been the “heart” of the local Church for many decades and the setting for some of the most important moments in its history.
He also welcomed the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Sydney and New South Wales, Konstantinos Apoifis, along with members of the Community’s Board. The Archbishop expressed confidence that the new administration, which assumed office at the end of last year, would enjoy a blessed and fruitful term.
Delivering a message of unity, he stated: “I will be at your disposal and by your side whenever you need me, and I know that you, too, will stand by our Archdiocese, and that we will move forward together in unity.”
Archbishop Makarios connected this spirit of unity with the Feast of Pentecost, emphasizing that the descent of the Holy Spirit united the Apostles in a common purpose and mission: to proclaim the Word of God to society and to the world.
Addressing the President and Board members of the Greek Orthodox Community, he concluded with the wish: “Whatever you do, do it with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
The Archbishop also thanked Fr. Stavros Agoroudis, parish priest of Holy Wisdom Church in Paddington, for his dedicated ministry.
Finally, Archbishop Makarios welcomed the Honorary Consul of Greece in Brisbane, Georgios Mastrokostas, and his wife, Hermione, thanking them for their presence at the parish feast.
