Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, as a representative of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the 12th Clergy-Laity Congress of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, delivered a heartlfelt speech.
Archbishop Nikitas performed the Sanctification Service for the opening of the Clergy-Laity Congress and then declared the official opening of its work.
After conveying the warm, paternal wishes on behalf of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, he stressed: “I am here today not to judge you, but to help you. I am here because I love your Archbishop, since we are both on the same ship. Feel free to voice your opinion on all issues. Together, in a spirit of unity, love and cooperation for your Archdiocese, we will do what is best for the future of the local Church.” “I love Australia and I’ll be there for you when you need me,” he said.
The members of the 12th Clergy-Laity Congress listened with great satisfaction and joy the speech and warmly applauded the Archbishop afterwards.
