The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, visited the offices of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) on Saturday, June 22.
Mr Venizelos made the visit during his first trip to South Australia since beginning his post as Greece’s Ambassador to Australia in early 2024.
The Ambassador, his wife Lara Tikaidi and the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas, were welcomed to the GOCSA’s offices by members of the Administrative Council.
During the visit, Mr Venizelos was not only briefed about the Community’s services, but was also given a tour of the offices and Olympic Hall, and had the opportunity to see the archive room where the Community keeps documents and records from the early 1900s.
Mr Venizelos then sat for lunch with GOCSA President Peter Gardiakos, General Manager Con Dalagiorgos, and members of the leadership team.
The Ambassador also spoke briefly about GOCSA entering into a working relationship with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, following Archbishop Makarios’ historic visit to Olympic Hall in November 2023. President Gardiakos informed the Ambassador that the Administrative Council continues to work towards a common goal of bridging the divide and strengthening the community.
“I was impressed by the warm welcome, the organisation, and the Community’s work in binding together the Greeks of South Australia. I would like above all to see unity [between GOCSA and the Archdiocese] and I hope this will happen soon,” Ambassador Venizelos said.
The visit was also an opportunity for GOCSA to congratulate outgoing Consul General Psiachas on his service, thank him for his fruitful cooperation over the last five-and-a-half years, and wish him luck for his next posting in Kenya.
