On Friday, May 17, Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed members of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff at the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese in Sydney. The delegation, led by Vice Admiral Christos Sassiakos, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, is in Australia to participate in the 83rd Anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Crete.
Upon their arrival, the Greek officers were warmly greeted at the entrance by Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia and the Protosyncellus, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne, Christoforos Krikelis. Following this, they toured the Cathedral of the Annunciation before proceeding to the Archdiocesan Office for a heartfelt discussion with Archbishop Makarios. The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, was also present.
Archbishop Makarios expressed his gratitude to the members of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, extending thanks to the political leadership of the Ministry of National Defence and the Greek Government for their ongoing support of the Greek Diaspora in Australia. He acknowledged the Greek Armed Forces for ensuring the homeland’s security and for their significant social contributions during peacetime.
During the meeting, Archbishop Makarios briefed the delegation on the various activities and initiatives of the Holy Archdiocese. He highlighted the significance of this year’s centenary celebration of the Orthodox Church in Australia and the anticipated Apostolic Visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in October.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of mutual wishes and the presentation of commemorative gifts by Archbishop Makarios to the delegation members.
Source: vema.com.au / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas