The beginning of the Australian Federal Parliament was inaugurated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, in the Church of Saint Nicholas Canberra. This is an event of the utmost importance for the Australian society, but also for the Greek Diaspora and the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, since, for the first time in the history of the fifth continent, the Greek Orthodox Archbishop, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Oceania, was invited to bless and announce the beginning of such an important institutional event.
Present for this auscpicious inauguration were the Prime Minister of Australia Mr. Scott Morrison, the Leader of the Opposition Mr. Anthony Albanese, Senators, the Members of Parliament, the Ministers of the Federal Government, the staff of the Parliament, while on behalf of the Church were present His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Canberra, His Grace Bishop Silouan of Sinope, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Adelaide, and The Protosyncellus of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, Very Rev. Fr Christophoros Krikelis.
In addition to the politicians, the ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Mr. George Papakostas, and the President of the Greek Community of Canberra, Mr. Nikolaos Loukadellis.
During his speech, His Eminence, after welcoming both Mr, Morrison and Mr. Albanese, as well as all Senators, members and staff of the Federal Parliament, described the value that the message of the Apostle of the Gentiles acquires, for modern society and especially for the political world, that every human being is called to be “the temple of the living God” [ναός του ζώντος Θεού] (« ημείς γαρ ναός θεού εσμεν. ζώντος ») [2Cor 6: 16-18; 7: 1]), while he pointed out that the essential role of Christianity, and of religion in general, in the world, lies in the fact that it puts as primary concern not just the well-being of man, but the well-being of all mankind.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios could not remiss the reference to the ecological issue, which has been at the forefront of the Orthodox Church for many decades. He reminded the congregation that, since 1997, His Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew had expanded his understanding of the concept of sin, to include not only the damage caused by humans to other people, but, equally important, the damage caused to the whole of creation: animals, trees, air, land and water. For this reason, as the Archbishop pointed out, His Holiness the Patriarch has put the development of ecological programs at the forefront of his agenda for many years.
Addressing, finally, the Parliamentary Speakers and Members of Parliament, who in the midst of many challenges, are called upon to play a key role for the future of Australia, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios urged them all to promote solidarity and dialogue in the performance of their responsible work, in order to bring about positive change, both in Australian society and in the wider world community.
After the service, all those present personally greeted His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, expressing their gratitude and congratulations for the event, while His Eminence had a short conversation with the Prime Minister and the President of the Opposition party. Finally, it is worth noting that the event was covered by the press and with great emphasis by the Australian General Media.