On October 8, 2024, the Greek Diaspora of Australia paid tribute to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with an official dinner in Sydney, attended by around 1,500 people. The event took place at the International Convention Centre and featured a musical program that added to the evening’s celebratory atmosphere.
During the dinner, a special message from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was projected, in which he commended the significant contributions of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia to Hellenism and its positive impact on Australian society. The event also included a presentation on the role and mission of the newly established Order of the Savior Christ, composed of Archons of the Ecumenical Throne from the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. Andreas Liveris, Archon of the Great Church of Christ and President of the Order, led the presentation, receiving the paternal and Patriarchal blessings from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Earlier in the evening, Archbishop Makarios offered a heartfelt greeting to Patriarch Bartholomew, expressing the deep love and respect of the clergy and faithful of the Holy Archdiocese. He emphasized that “it was impossible to celebrate the centenary without the presence of our Father and Patriarch,” and noted the historic invitation extended to the Ecumenical Patriarch by the Australian Government, recognizing his esteemed role as a global religious leader and honoring the Archdiocese.
Patriarch Bartholomew, visibly moved by the warm reception, thanked the Greek diaspora for their heartfelt hospitality and acknowledged their significant contributions to modern Australian society. He highlighted the enduring connection between the Greek Diaspora, Orthodoxy, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, making this event a historic moment in the celebration of the centenary of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
He praised the Greek community in Australia, describing it as “numerically numerous and qualitatively prosperous,” noting that they have not only benefited from the opportunities in the Australian Commonwealth but have also enriched the country “with the tireless wealth of Greek–Roman culture and the unique tradition of Hellenism, thus significantly contributing to the formation and development of modern Australian society.”
The event was attended by members of the Patriarchal Synod, including Metropolitans Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos and Philotheos of Thessaloniki. Other distinguished guests included Grand Protosyncellus Gregory, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Private Patriarchal Office, Patriarchal Deacon Eulogios, and other esteemed guests.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
