On the afternoon of Thursday, October 17, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, accompanied by his esteemed entourage, visited the offices of the largest circulating Greek-Australian newspaper, “Neos Kosmos.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch was warmly welcomed by the newspaper’s Publisher, Christoforos Gogkos, and the Editor-in-Chief, Sotirios Chatzimanalos, who then guided him through the offices, where the staff and administrative personnel were waiting.
In his address, Mr. Gogkos expressed that the presence of the Ecumenical Patriarch was a great blessing and honor. He spoke of the newspaper’s history, which was founded by his late father, and its journey up to the present day. He presented the Ecumenical Patriarch with a framed copy of today’s front page, which features the central theme of the Patriarchal visit to Melbourne, along with two photographic albums.
In his response, the Ecumenical Patriarch highlighted the history of the Greek-Australian press, especially after the increase in the Greek population during the 1950s and the more favorable legislative provisions for non-English language press.
“In this generally favorable environment, there was a significant publishing output and the establishment of new newspapers, including “Neos Kosmos”, which was destined to become the largest Greek-Australian newspaper. At this moment, we pray for the repose of the soul of its founder, the late Dimitrios Gogkos, a migrant from Chios, who was the soul of “Neos Kosmos” for many years and devoted himself to this spiritual offspring. He was fortunate to see his creation rise to the top position in circulation among the newspapers of the Fifth Continent. Undoubtedly, Dimitrios Gogkos was not only the founder and publisher of “Neos Kosmos”, but also a genuine aristocrat, a pure democrat, and a champion of the rights of migrants and the rights of the Greek Community. His work and contributions to the Diaspora and the Australian society at large were immense, and he was justly honored by both the Australian and Greek governments.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch continued: “The press has played a crucial role for the Diaspora, particularly in earlier times when the internet and social media were unknown. It was instrumental in preserving the language and Greek education, serving as an important connecting link and bridge to the homeland, and was almost the sole source of information regarding events in Greece. Furthermore, it kept the readers informed about community issues, challenges, and prospects, shaping trends and opinions, and playing a significant role in tensions and conflicts within the Diaspora. Today, the face of the Greek Diaspora is different; the social environment, the media, the possibilities, and the needs have radically changed. However, the press holds, and we believe it should hold, an important role within the Diaspora, taking into account the new conditions and data.
Within this new framework of contemporary Australian society, “Neos Kosmos” continues its work with vigor, consistency, and dedication to the ideals and ideas of the late Dimitrios Gogkos, under the direction of his son, the Honorable Mr. Christoforos Gogkos, and with the care and attention of the distinguished Editor-in-Chief, the Honorable Mr. Sotirios Chatzimanalos, to whom and to their esteemed collaborators we extend warm congratulations for their multifaceted work and contributions to the Diaspora.”
Photo: Nikos Papachristou
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
