His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia arrived in Darwin on Saturday, May 17, to preside over the laying of the foundation stone for the city’s new Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Savvas the New of Kalymnos.
Upon his arrival at Darwin Airport, Archbishop Makarios was welcomed by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, Darwin Mayor Konstantinos Vatskalis, local government representatives, clergy, and members of the Greek community, including youth in traditional attire.
The foundation stone ceremony, held on Sunday, May 18, was attended by dignitaries including the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, and Roman Catholic Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci.
Archbishop Makarios, joined by Bishop Silouan and local clergy, sanctified the foundation and praised the Chief Minister for the Northern Territory Government’s land grant.
“The grant of the land and your generous support reflect your deep dedication to the cultural and spiritual wealth of Australia,” Archbishop Makarios said, acknowledging the contribution of Darwin’s large Kalymnian community, numbering around 15,000.
He described the new parish as a tribute to the community’s enduring Orthodox faith and traditions.
With a plot of land now granted to the parish, it plans on building a church, two event halls, auxiliary spaces and a parking space with a capacity for 127 cars. The Albanese Federal Labor Government has also pledged $5 million towards the development of a new St Savvas of Kalymnos Community Centre in Northcrest.
Earlier that day, the Archbishop presided over a Divine Liturgy at the temporary premises of the new parish in Palmerston, on the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman.
During his sermon, he reflected on the transformation of the Samaritan woman into Saint Photini, encouraging the congregation to similarly seek Christ and become witnesses of His love.
Archbishop Makarios praised the local faithful for their efforts in establishing the parish, calling it “a well of Orthodoxy from which future generations will draw living water.”
