On the afternoon of Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew held a private meeting with the Governor of Victoria and Representative of the Royal Crown, Margaret Gardner, at the official residence of the Governor.
The Ecumenical Patriarch was accompanied by Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Following the meeting, Governor Gardner and Premier of Victoria, Ms. Jacinta Allan, jointly hosted an official reception in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarch. The event was attended by religious leaders, politicians, academics, and other distinguished figures from Melbourne, many of whom have Greek heritage.
The Governor and the Premier of Victoria warmly welcomed and addressed the Ecumenical Patriarch.
In his response, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his gratitude to their Excellencies for the reception and the honor bestowed upon him. He then spoke about the role of the Church in modern society. “Some people believe that religion should remain private, detached from public life, but the truth is that the Church has a moral obligation to speak out on issues that shape our world—especially those affecting human dignity and justice,” said the Ecumenical Patriarch. He also referred to the various crises—environmental, economic, or humanitarian—and the wars that are shaking the world, emphasizing that the Church cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. [Read the Patriarchal address here]
Photo: Nikos Papachristou
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou