Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the headquarters of the Holy Diocese of Chora at the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary “Axion Esti” in Northcote, Melbourne, on Tuesday, October 15, accompanied by Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Hundreds of faithful, spanning all age groups, eagerly gathered to receive his blessing and demonstrate their deep love and respect.
Bishop Evmenios of Chora led the joyous reception, and Fr. Filippos Papagiannopoulos offered a heartfelt welcome. He highlighted the Mother Church’s warm embrace of the youth under the Patriarch’s leadership, saying, “Our hearts rejoice as we see more and more young people responding to your call, actively engaging in the Church’s mission and seeking to promote its work.” He praised the local Church for “opening its doors to the wider Australian society,” emphasizing that Archbishop Makarios, with the Patriarch’s blessing, had worked tirelessly to draw young people closer to the Church. Fr. Filippos shared his joy in seeing the Archbishop’s efforts bear fruit, with many young people from diverse backgrounds becoming active Church members.
In response, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his gratitude to Fr. Filippos and extended his well-wishes to Bishop Evmenios. He then addressed the congregation with spiritually uplifting words before warmly welcoming Mar Awa, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, who was also on a pastoral visit to Australia. In his brief speech, the Patriarch emphasized two key priorities of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: environmental protection and promoting inter-Christian and interreligious dialogue. He affirmed the importance of dialogue, saying, “We are convinced at the Phanar, as in all dioceses of the Ecumenical Throne, that we are living in the 21st century, and we must engage in dialogue, foster openness, and maintain good relations with all people—especially our brothers from other Christian denominations, who were at one time separated from the body of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. However, this does not mean we should remain eternally divided or fight one another.”
In addition to Archbishop Makarios, the Patriarch was accompanied by Metropolitans Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, Philotheos of Thessaloniki, Grand Protosyncellus Gregory, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Patriarchal Deacon Eulogios, Nun Iakovi, Abbess of the Holy Monastery of the Honorable Forerunner of Akritochori, and other clergy and members of the Patriarchal entourage. The visit was marked by the faithful’s joy, a shared spirit of love, and hope for the continued flourishing of the Church in Australia.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
