His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia held a meeting with Greece’s Minister of Defence, Nikos Dendias, on Wednesday, June 11, in Athens.
His Eminence was warmly welcomed by Dendias at the Ministerial Office where they discussed issues of mutual interest.
Dendias emphasised the strong bonds of friendship between Greece and Australia, as well as the crucial role played by the Greek diaspora in strengthening those ties.
The Greek Minister also expressed a keen interest in learning more about the life of the Greek Australian community and the challenges it faces, and congratulated Archbishop Makarios and the Orthodox Church in Australia for their pastoral, social and national work.
For his part, Archbishop Makarios spoke with Dendias about efforts made by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) to preserve the Greek language and Orthodox traditions, and to strengthen the ties of the younger generation of the Greek diaspora with their roots.
His Eminence also conveyed to the Minister the love, respect and pride that Greeks in Australia feel for the personnel of the Armed Forces of their homeland – the men and women who, with a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering faith in the nation’s values, remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity and independence of Greece.
