Sydney did its best to welcome the new Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of Australia. Flocking from everywhere in the country, clergy and laity of the Greek Diaspora enthusiastically welcomed their new pastor, saying loudly “Worthy, Worthy” in the center of the Australian capital.
Today, two years later, they remember this deep emotion of those moments, full of respect, love and joy, but also gratitude and deep justification.
The Orthodox Church of Australia, both the clergy and the laity, is grateful and reassured for the refreshing experience they lived during these two years, while more days full of hope and optimism are coming; these days foretelling a peaceful and creative future for the local Church, with Archbishop Makarios at the helm.
On the occasion of today’s second anniversary of the enthronement of Archbishop Makarios, the Archdiocese of Australia in an announcement, as reported by vema.com.au, said it prayed to Almighty God to give him health, strength and prosperity to fulfill all the pious expectations of the Greek Orthodox flock of Australia.
“Always worthy, Your Eminence. May God grant Your Eminence many blessed and fruitful years!” were some of the wishes to the Archbishop.
It has been two years since Makarios was enthroned as the new Archbishop of Australia.
The Archbishop has an impressive curriculum vitae. He has studied Theology, Christian Ethics, History of Science, Philosophy and Medicine, and he specialised in Bioethics.
Immediately after taking office, he literally began to visit every part of Australia in order to get to know his flock.
“I came here to meet you and bless you, to speak to you and to listen to you. I have come here to serve your needs, to listen to your heart, to keep you close to Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life”.
The Greek Orthodox community of Australia welcomed him with enthusiasm. He was given the name “Archbishop of the Children” because of his love for children.
Archbishop Makarios was by the side of the faithful and he faced with them every challenge this year.
He has excellent relations with the country’s authorities and defends the interests of the Greek Orthodox community.
Every time he makes a visit abroad, he expresses his love and respect for the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate is our source of life. If we detach ourselves from it, we shall wither in our bloom, lost in solitary gloom, as waterless trees”.
“The greater the distance that separates us, the stronger the love that unites us”.
Video created by orthodoxtimes.com for the first anniversary of the enthronement of Archbishop Makarios