On Wednesday, October 9th, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Parliament of New South Wales, accompanied by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, the Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Patriarchal Private Office, and Archdeacon Athenagoras of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
They were welcomed by the State Premier, Mr. Chris Minns, who led them to the Premier’s Office, where they had a warm and fruitful discussion, in the presence of the Ministers for Small Business, Property, and Multiculturalism, Mr. Steve Kamper; Finance, Industry, Government Procurement, and Natural Resources, Ms. Courtney Houssos; and Industrial Relations and Work Health & Safety, Ms. Sophie Cotsis.
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his gratitude to the Premier of New South Wales for his honorable presence at the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated last Sunday at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, as well as for the excellent cooperation between his government and the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
In turn, Mr. Minns congratulated the Ecumenical Patriarch for his tireless efforts and contributions in promoting peace and protecting the natural environment.
After the meeting, commemorative gifts were exchanged between the Patriarch and the Premier.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
