On Wednesday, October 9, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in Sydney, where he received a warm welcome from its staff and officials, led by the Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
In honor of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Mallikourtis hosted a luncheon attended by Archbishop Makarios of Australia and the Bishops of the Holy Archdiocese, as well as members of the Patriarchal entourage: Metropolitans Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, and Philotheos of Thessaloniki, the Grand Ecclesiarch Gregory, the Grand Archimandrite Aetios, the Director of the Patriarchal Private Office, Patriarchal Deacon Eulogios, the Codifier of the Holy and Sacred Synod, Sister Iakovi, Abbess of the Holy Monastery of the Forerunner in Acritochori, Archon Didaskalos of the Nation Konstantinos Delikostantis, Director of the First Patriarchal Office and Archon Didaskalos of the Church Theodoros Giangou, Professor of the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and Nikolaos-Georgios Papachristou, Director of the Patriarchal Office of Press and Communications, as well as Themistoklis Karanikolas, an employee of the Patriarchate.
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the host, Consul General Mallikourtis, with heartfelt words, expressing his sincere gratitude for the excellent cooperation between the Consulate and the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, as well as for the support provided in facilitating his visit to the fifth continent. He also asked Mallikourtis to convey his gratitude to the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, for the critical role of the Greek Government and its close collaboration with the state and church authorities in Australia, which ensured the smooth realization of the visit.
Furthermore, he praised the dedication of the Greek diaspora in Australia to their Hellenic identity and the traditions of Romiosyne, emphasizing the key role of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia in this effort, and he commended the contribution of the Greek consular authorities. “The Greek State, through its consular authorities here, supports this effort to preserve the unbroken chain of faith, tradition, memory and shared heritage. Our compatriots feel closer to the Motherland in this way, and the pain of being far from home is somewhat sweetened,” he noted, among other remarks.
In conclusion, the Ecumenical Patriarch fondly remembered the late Ambassador Stylianos Mallikourtis, the father of the Consul General, who had served with distinction in Istanbul, leaving a positive legacy among the Greek community there and the Mother Church. He remarked, “Your successful diplomatic career, your kind personality, your willingness to sacrifice for others, your dedication to the ideals of our Nation, your respect for our Orthodox faith, and your many talents remind us of the remarkable character of your late father, Ambassador Stylianos Mallikourtis, one of the finest diplomats who served in Constantinople several decades ago, working closely and excellently with the Sacred Center in Phanar and many distinguished Hierarchs, including my own late Elder, Metropolitan Meliton of Chalcedon. We are confident that at this moment, the soul of your blessed father rejoices and surely takes pride in your progress and success.”
Before his departure, the Ecumenical Patriarch invited Mallikourtis to Phanar, as a gesture of gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his entourage, while offering his wishes for the abundant grace and enlightenment of the Holy Spirit in his demanding and highly responsible service.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
