The official Dinner celebrating the Name Day of Archbishop Makarios of Australia was held in Sydney on Monday, January 19, bringing together senior ecclesiastical leaders, political representatives and members of the faithful from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
Hosted at the Le Montage Reception Centre, the event was attended by the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley, accompanied by her husband Mr Dennis Wilson, along with hierarchs of the Orthodox Church, clergy, community leaders and representatives of state and federal government.
Among those present were Their Eminences Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia, Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland, and Metropolitan Irinaios of Florina, Prespai and Eordaia; His Grace Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar; the Regional and Assistant Bishops of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese; the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Archbishop Anthony Fisher; NSW Minister Sophie Cotsis, representing Premier Chris Minns; Ministers and Members of Parliament; the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Mr Stavros Venizelos; the High Commissioner of Cyprus to Australia, Mr Antonios Sammoutis; the Mayor of Florina, Mr Vasileios Giannakis; Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; and presidents and representatives of parishes, communities, organisations and institutions of the local Church.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios expressed his gratitude to all those who attended the celebration, warmly welcoming the Governor of New South Wales and thanking her for her long-standing support and active interest in the life and mission of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, as well as for her contribution to the cultural and community life of Greek Australians in New South Wales.
He also acknowledged her participation in the centenary celebrations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in 2024, which culminated in the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Addressing Archbishop Anthony Fisher, His Eminence noted that his presence reflected a relationship of mutual esteem, friendship and respect, grounded in sincere dialogue, cooperation and a shared commitment to the spiritual and moral wellbeing of Australian society.
He said the Catholic Archbishop’s attendance affirmed bonds of unity, goodwill and Christian brotherhood, strengthening the Churches’ common witness in Australia.
Archbishop Makarios also gave thanks for God’s blessings upon the Orthodox Church in Australia, outlining past achievements and current initiatives. Particular reference was made to the ongoing renovation of the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Sydney.
His Eminence reiterated that he would not accept personal gifts or monetary offerings for his name day, with all proceeds from the Dinner directed towards the continuation of the Cathedral’s iconography.
Special mention was made of St Andrew’s Theological College, with the Archbishop expressing his satisfaction at the forthcoming commencement of renovations, strong student enrolments and the continued strengthening of its academic programme.
“We place enormous importance on theological education,” he said, “and we are not prepared to make compromises.”
During the Dinner, Archbishop Makarios also honoured 27 members of the Greek community with the Medal of the Order of the Christ-loving, in recognition of their contribution to the life and work of the local Church.
Concluding his remarks, His Eminence asked for the prayers of those present for the successful fulfilment of his ministry and for the continued progress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
He emphasised the importance of moving forward together with faith and unity, noting that the future ahead is of greater value than the past.
The evening concluded with a cultural programme of traditional songs and ecclesiastical hymns performed by the Australian Byzantine Choir.
Honours list:
The 27 people who were honoured with the Medal of the Order of the Christ-loving are: James Athanasou, Harry Grafanakis, Theo Dalianis, Kosmas Dimitriou, Kalle Englezos, Viola Kalokerinos, Anna Kasapis, Maritsa Kelly, Anastasia Kokkinos, Ourania Kontoleontos, Dimitrios Liliopoulos, George Mavris, Michael Moschos, Theo Boutsikakis, Konstantinos Nicolaou, Sofia Ouzounoglou, George Panagis, Emilio Papastamatis, Emmanuel Roussakis, Christina Scalone, Ourania Sotiropoulos, Kandya Tagalakis, George Ioannis Taifalos, Andrew Tanos, John Tsingos, Anthony Hatziargyris, and Anastasia Chiras.
