The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited St. John’s Greek Orthodox Day College, located in the Melbourne suburb of Preston, on the morning of Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
During this second visit, 28 years after his last, the Ecumenical Patriarch had the opportunity to witness with heartfelt joy the significant progress of this educational institution, which operates under the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
Upon arriving at the College entrance, the Patriarch was moved to see a large mural featuring his image, while the student community gave him an enthusiastic reception, welcoming him with drumbeats and traditional dances from his birthplace, Imbros. After touring the school facilities, he visited the newly renovated Sports and Arts Center, where the student works themed around the environment and migration were on display.
Furthermore, the Ecumenical Patriarch unveiled a mosaic depicting the school’s patron, Saint John the Baptist, as well as commemorative plaques marking his visit. He then admired the school’s Byzantine Choir, which chanted ecclesiastical hymns and attended a touching musical-theatrical performance, where the students brought to life aspects of the experiences of their grandparents who emigrated to the fifth continent.
In his warm address to the students, as well as to Principal Mr. Andrew Ponsford, the teachers, and other school staff, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed pride in the work being accomplished at the educational institution and the strides made in recent years. He also congratulated Archbishop Makarios of Australia for his tireless care, noting that since he arrived in Australia in 2019, his paternal concern for St. John’s College has been instrumental in maintaining its viability and steering it back toward a path of growth and prosperity.
Emphasizing that education is the cornerstone of the progress of societies and cultures, the Ecumenical Patriarch highlighted the need for nurturing the spirit of young people, so that they may pursue values and ethics for their well-being and their meaningful contribution to society. He addressed the student community saying: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:9-11). Concluding, the Ecumenical Patriarch urged all members of the St. John’s school community to continue working in unity and harmony, both among themselves and with their shepherd.
On his part, Archbishop Makarios expressed his hope that the visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the educational institution would inspire its students to “walk towards the light of Christ with the same humility, wisdom, and love” embodied in the person of the Ecumenical Patriarch. He further underscored the Church’s enduring contribution to education, especially during challenging and difficult times for the Greek people. As for the Greek Orthodox schools of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, he emphasized that they serve “the deep conviction that education requires not only the development of intellect but also of the spirit.” “St. John’s College,” he added, “strives to instill in its students a profound love for God, for the Church, and for the rich spiritual heritage bequeathed to us by our ancestors.”
Accompanying Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, along with Archbishop Makarios of Australia, were members of the Patriarchal entourage: Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, Grand Archimandrite Grigorios, and Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Patriarchal Office. Also present were Patriarchal Deacon Eulogios, Codifier of the Holy and Sacred Synod; Sister Iakovi, Abbess of the Holy Retreat of the Forerunner in Acritohori; Archon Teacher of the Nation Konstantinos Delikostantis, Director of the First Patriarchal Office; Archon Teacher of the Church Theodoros Yiangou, Professor at the Theological School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Mr. Nikolaos-Georgios Papachristou, Director of the Patriarchal Press and Communication Office; Mr. Themistoklis Karanikolas, from the Patriarchate’s staff; as well as Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis and Metropolitan Seraphim of Sebasteia, the Bishops of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia Mr. Stavros Venizelos, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Antonios Sammoutis, the Consul Generals of Greece in Melbourne Mr. Emmanouil Kakavelakis and in Adelaide Ms. Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Federal MP Ms. Maria Vamvakinou, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the parents of the Archbishop of Australia, Emmanuel and Fotini Griniezakis.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
