On Saturday, February 22, the Golden Jubilee of the Parish of Saint Sophia and Her Three Daughters was celebrated in Sydney.
At the official celebratory dinner, held in an event hall in the Hyde Park area, Archbishop Makarios of Australia was in attendance and delivered a heartfelt paternal greeting.
In his opening remarks, the Archbishop expressed gratitude to the pioneers who established the Parish, with particular mention of the late Archbishop Ezekiel of Australia. He also paid tribute to the late Archbishop Stylianos, under whose leadership the church in Surry Hills was acquired. Additionally, he extended his appreciation and praise to all the clergy who have served the Parish with dedication, including Fr. Stephanos Pantanassiotis, then Chancellor of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, Fr. Gervasios Koutsouras, Fr. Nektarios Zorbalas, Fr. Ioannis Evangelinidis, Fr. Panagiotis Baskoutas, Fr. Agathangelos Masteas, and Fr. Irenaeos Triantis.
“We are also grateful,” he noted, “to countless individuals, some of whom have departed from this life, who worked tirelessly and contributed in various ways—both visibly and behind the scenes—to help us reach this remarkable milestone. All collaborated harmoniously with the clergy to support the progress of the Parish. We thank them, as we also thank the benefactors and donors for their generosity and contributions.”
The Archbishop also extended warm thanks to all members who continue to work towards the further development of the Parish, led by the Parish Priest, Fr. Eirinaios, President Mr. Konstantinos Zannetidis, the members of the Parish Council, and the tireless ladies of the Philoptochos Sisterhood. He also congratulated everyone involved in the various initiatives of the Parish, including the “Feed the People” meal program, the Elderly and “Parea” groups, the Greek Dance Ensemble, and the Youth organization.
In conclusion, Archbishop Makarios emphasized that the fifty-year journey of the Parish of Saint Sophia and Her Three Daughters offers younger generations valuable lessons on the importance of “remaining united in a spirit of love and cooperating under the auspices of our Holy Archdiocese for the positive development of the Parish’s life and the vibrant testimony of Christ in society.” “If we uphold these principles,” he added, “then we can be optimistic that our efforts will continue to bear fruit in the future. Personally, I assure you of my paternal support and promise that I will stand by you as you continue to grow in the decades to come. May God bless you all and your families.”
It is noteworthy that, in addition to the Archbishop, the event was also honored by the presence of the Governor of New South Wales, Ms. Margarette Beezley, who delivered a greeting and congratulated the Greek Orthodox Parish of Saint Sophia and all those involved. Also in attendance were Federal Minister Ms. Tanya Plibersek, State Minister Ms. Sophia Cotsis, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr. Ioannis Mallikourtis, the Deputy High Commissioner of Cyprus to Australia, Mr. Nikolaos Varellas, and others.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
