Archbishop Makarios of Australia attended the Greek festival “Let’s Go Greek Parramatta” organized by the Greek Orthodox Parish of St. Ioannis the Baptist and Community of Parramatta.
The festival is now one of the biggest cultural events of the Greek community in Australia.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman, who represented the prime minister of Australia, also attended the festival.
The festive day began with the Divine Liturgy, which was presided over by Archbishop Makarios of Australia in the church of St. Ioannis. In his sermon, Archbishop Makarios spoke to the faithful about the virtues of patience and faith, emphasizing their great value especially nowadays. As he noted, “we have no time to fulfil our responsibilities, and we have no patience.”
After the Divine Liturgy, everyone went to the parish courtyard where the festival was held. Archbishop Makarios talked with many, walked past the festival stands and warmly greeted the exhibitors and volunteers while tasting some delicious Greek dishes offered to the passerbys.
Announcing the official opening of the Festival, the Archbishop urged attendees to remain united in solidarity, stressing that “we the Greeks must be one in spirit, soul, ethos, faith, Church.”