Archbishop Makarios of Australia officially consecrated the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Parish of Hobart in Tasmania on Sunday, July 7.
In a speech on the day, Archbishop Makarios focused on the centenary anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) this year, and the upcoming visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Australia.
Special mentions were also made of the pioneers at the Hobart parish and those who worked overtime for its development and progress.
“We turn our thoughts with deep gratitude to all those who contributed to the founding of this Parish, many of whom are no longer with us, but participate in this sacred mystery, which transcends the dimensions of time and space,” Archbishop Makarios said.
After the ceremony, Archbishop Makarios also announced parish priest Father Irinaios Koikas would be leaving his ministry and succeeded by Father Andreas Ioannou.
The church was filled with parishioners and a number of official guests, including the Governor of Tasmania, Barbara Baker, the State Minister Madeleine Ogilvie, representing the Premier of Tasmania, the State Minister and Speaker of Parliament, Eric Abetz, and the Honorary Consul of Greece in Tasmania, Ekaterina Skalidis.
The Archbishop was visiting Tasmania from July 6 to July 8, accompanied by Bishops Kyriakos of Sozopolis and Bartholomew of Charioupolis.
During his visit, the Archbishop also attended an event marking the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the GOAA, held in the presence of representatives of the state.
