Greek Consul General in Melbourne, Dimitrios Michalopoulos, was awarded on Saturday night an honorary diploma and the Cross of St Andrew during a church service at St Spyridon’s church in Clayton, Melbourne.
The award was given to Mr Michalopoulos by His Grace Bishop Emilianos, on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, for his devotion to the church and Greek ideals.
Mr Michalopoulos, who’s term as Consul comes to an end in a few days, thanked His Eminence, the Greek community and expatriate politicians, for the recognition.
His speech focused specifically on the unity and cooperation of the Greek community in Melbourne, citing as an example the fight to save Modern Greek Studies at La Trobe.
“The cooperation of the Community and other bodies within the church and the Consulate has brought results,” Mr Michalopoulos said.
This award came in the face of another recipient of the Silver Cross of St Andrews, Mr Constantinos Papadopoulos (OAM), in November.
Mr Papadopoulos was recognised for his work in the field of education, as well as his over 60 years of service to the church and Greek community.
The retired educator is well-known for playing a prominent role in establishing Modern Greek Studies at the universities of Melbourne, Monash and La Trobe, as well as setting up Greek classes at two Melbourne churches.
