The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew officiated a Trisagion service on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Station Pier, in memory of the Orthodox migrants who arrived in Melbourne at this location.
Following the service, he visited the Hellenic Museum of Melbourne, where he was welcomed by its President, Mr. Haris Stamoulis, along with the CEO, Ms. Sarah Craig, and their associates. He then toured the museum’s premises and admired its collections, which are housed in the building of the former Royal Mint.
At midday, the Ecumenical Patriarch blessed the luncheon hosted in his honor by the President of the Museum, who, during his speech, spoke about the history of the Museum’s creation.
In his response, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his admiration for the Museum, emphasizing, among other things:
“The Hellenic Museum of Melbourne recounts our nation’s timelessness and historical continuity, created through the love, patriotism, and financial support of the late Spyridon Stamoulis, a distinguished gentleman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He arrived in Australia as a twelve-year-old in 1950, achieved great success, and became prominent, yet never forgot his homeland and ancestral traditions, remaining humble and devoted to his birthplace.
Thus, as a timeless token of gratitude to the motherland and a gesture of appreciation to the new homeland, the Hellenic Museum of Melbourne was established in 2007 through the generous sponsorship of Spyridon Stamoulis, in memory of his prematurely deceased daughter, Nausica, to house a small but significant part of the vast Greek culture. We pray for the blessed memory and eternal repose of their souls, father, and daughter. We express our deepest gratitude for their invaluable contribution to the Greek community in Australia.
Undoubtedly, a Hellenic Museum abroad, especially one of such high caliber as the Hellenic Museum of Melbourne, serves as a focal point of attraction and unity for the Greek community here. Its activities extend far beyond the mere exhibition of artifacts. It is a multifaceted and multi-dimensional cultural institution, broadly conceived, to preserve, cultivate, and disseminate Greek culture and spirit to the Greek diaspora and beyond, through a diverse approach to art, history, and other achievements of human intellect.” [Read the full text of the Patriarchal Address]
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
