His Eminence Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos has been officially welcomed to Australia, marking a significant spiritual event for the Greek Orthodox community.
The visit, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) and the 200th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Four New Martyrs of Rethymno on Crete, has been highlighted by the presentation of sacred relics and a series of ceremonial gatherings.
On Thursday, December 12, Metropolitan Prodromos visited the Greek Consulate in Sydney, where he was greeted by Consul General Ioannis Mallikourtis. Metropolitan Prodromos was joined by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and an entourage of other clergy.
Expressing his gratitude for the visit, Mallikourtis emphasised the importance of the occasion and extended heartfelt thanks for the honour of welcoming the delegation.
Official Doxology service in Sydney
Later on Thursday, a grand Doxology service was held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of our Lady in Redfern, Sydney.
During the service, Archbishop Makarios welcomed Metropolitan Prodromos and assured him that “Australia is your second home.”
In response, Metropolitan Prodromos expressed gratitude for the warm reception, reflecting on his positive impressions from a previous visit to Australia in September 2023 during the Clergy-Laity Assembly of the GOAA.
The service was then marked by the Metropolitan’s presentation of sacred relics from the Four New Martyrs of Rethymno — Saints Manuel, Angelis, George, and Nicholas. Metropolitan Prodromos requested the relics be enshrined in the Cathedral, “to bless your sacred mission, the clergy, and the Christ-loving faithful of your Church.”
As the visit continues, the Greek Orthodox community in Australia celebrates this spiritual milestone, inspired by the presence of the sacred relics and the strong ties with the Church of Crete.
