A formal delegation from the Hellenic Military Academy (Στρατιωτική Σχολή Ευελπίδων) was warmly welcomed by Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne at the Offices of the Holy Diocese of Melbourne. The delegation, accompanied by the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Ms. Dimitra Georgantzoğlu, included the Academy’s Commander, Major General Anastasios Polychronos and his wife; the Dean, Professor Dr. Georgios Kaimakamis; the Head of International Partnerships, Major (Infantry) Evangelos Zarkos; the Commander’s Aide-de-Camp, Captain (Artillery) Vasileios Athanasopoulos; and the Defence Attaché of Greece in Canberra, Mr. Kyriakos Kyriakakos.
Bishop Kyriakos warmly welcomed the distinguished visitors, conveying the paternal blessings and love of Archbishop Makarios of Australia. “Our homeland and our faith meet in the hearts of those who serve with dignity and virtue,” the Bishop stated. “May God protect the Hellenic Military Academy and bless all who dedicate themselves to the service of Greece and to the values of faith, courage, and self-sacrifice.”
The Bishop then invited the delegation to the Parish of Saint Eustathios in South Melbourne, where they lit candles reverently and were guided through the historic church. The parish choir chanted, creating a moving spiritual atmosphere. Accompanying Bishop Kyriakos were the Parish Priest, Archimandrite Kyrillos Zisis, Fr. Menelaos Chatzoglou, and Fr. Panteleimon Laskaris.
During the visit, a fruitful and substantial discussion took place in a spirit of brotherhood. The Bishop and the members of the delegation exchanged views on the shared values of Orthodoxy, service, leadership responsibility, and the enduring bonds that unite the Church with the Hellenic Armed Forces.
The conversation highlighted the importance of spiritual grounding in the formation of officers, as well as the long-standing relationship between the Hellenic Military Academy and the Church of Greece. Bishop Kyriakos emphasized the “noble spiritual and national mission” of the Academy and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to strengthen ties with the Greek diaspora.
Following the church visit, Bishop Kyriakos received the delegation at the episcopal residence, where lunch and refreshments were offered in an atmosphere of warm brotherly hospitality.
On behalf of Archbishop Makarios, the Bishop presented commemorative gifts to each member of the delegation, symbolizing the unbroken spiritual and cultural ties between Greece and the Greek Orthodox faithful of Australia.
Major General Polychronos, in turn, presented Bishop Kyriakos with a commemorative gift as a gesture of appreciation and expressed heartfelt thanks for the Bishop’s generous welcome:
“Your Grace, we sincerely thank you for the love and warmth with which you received us. Where Greeks gather with faith and unity, the heart of our Homeland beats strongly. Your blessings strengthen us in our mission and remind us of the spiritual roots that support the Hellenic Armed Forces.”
The visit concluded with expressions of mutual respect and a shared commitment to continuing cooperation between the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and the Hellenic Military Academy. Bishop Kyriakos expressed his gratitude to all present and prayed that God would continue to bless the Academy’s leadership and cadets, granting them wisdom, courage, and divine protection.
