On behalf of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane welcomed Mr. Ioannis Loverdos, Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece responsible for the Greek Diaspora, to the headquarters of the Holy Diocese of Brisbane.
The visit began with a short tour of the Church of Saint Paraskevi, where Mr. Loverdos lit a candle and venerated the Holy Relics and Icons of the church. Bishop Bartholomew provided an overview of the church’s history, referring to its consecration earlier this year by Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
After the tour, a morning tea was hosted at the Episcopal Residence. In his welcoming remarks, Bishop Bartholomew thanked Mr. Loverdos for his presence in Brisbane, stating that “the visit of a distinguished senior Greek minister strengthens us and acknowledges our efforts to preserve our rich Hellenic heritage, our culture, our language, and our faith.”
The Bishop added that the minister’s work is “sacred by nature, for in serving our fellow human beings, we perform the work of Christ,” and he wished Mr. Loverdos every divine blessing in his mission.
Commemorative gifts were exchanged at the conclusion of the meeting. Bishop Bartholomew presented Mr. Loverdos with two books — “Lord and Master of My Life” by Archbishop Makarios and a volume published by the Archdiocese of Australia dedicated to the late Archbishop Stylianos — as well as an icon of Saint Paisios the Athonite, the Patron Saint of the local Church and of Australia.
Mr. Loverdos expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality and wished Bishop Bartholomew health and strength in his ministry.
