In a short break from the intense rhythms of everyday life, in view of the Holy Days of Christmas, Archbishop Makarios of Australia on Wednesday, December 22, received in his office the administrative staff of the Holy Archdiocese, with whom he exchanged wishes and offered gifts to all.
The Archbishop, in the presence of the Bishops Jacob of Militoupolis and Bartholomew of Charioupolis, spoke to the people who work tirelessly and sacrificially to promote the work of the local Church, acknowledging their valuable contribution and gratitude for their dedication.
“I know that all of you are people who whatever you do, you do it with a lot of love and a lot of dedication,” he noted, among other things.
Looking briefly at the history of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, from 1924 to the present, he noticed that it has traversed a long journey, which by the grace of God has not slowed down.
He mentioned his predecessors and those who worked for the progress of the Archdiocese over time, contributing a lot of effort, hard work, and militancy, while he pointed out that the current employees are valuable links in this long chain.
The Archbishop did not fail to acknowledge that his increased obligations do not allow him to have, as much as he would like, time for daily and direct communication with the staff of the Archdiocese.
“This is happening neither because of character, nor because of politics, but because of the great pressure of time,” he assured and asked for the understanding of his associates.
In closing, he wished for God to bless and sanctify themselves and their families, and the New Year to be full of joy “and above all to bring us closer to Christ.”