With a strong message on identity and language, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has emphasised the central role of Greek in Orthodox worship, warning against diluting its presence within the Church.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Vespers of the Taking Down of Christ from the Cross on Holy Friday at the Church of Saint Nektarios in Fawkner, the Archbishop highlighted the connection between liturgical life and cultural identity in the diaspora.
“If the Church loses its Greek identity, then we are lost. We must hold firm!” he said.
“We do not forget our identity,” His Eminence added, stressing the importance of preserving language and tradition within the Greek Orthodox community.
Archbishop Makarios expressed concern over the use of English alongside Greek during services, saying: “We here are Greeks. Who here does not understand Greek? I did not like that the service was divided half in Greek and half in English. We are Greeks, and we must preserve and uphold this. For if the Church loses its Greek identity, then we are lost. We must hold firm!”
While acknowledging practical needs within parishes, including more chanters and greater youth engagement, he maintained that the Greek language must remain central to worship.
“We have needs,” he noted, “but we will find chanters to chant in Greek. And we may include some English for our children, to bring them closer to the Church, but not half and half. We do not forget our identity. And I am glad that you receive this well and honour it.”
