By Andriana Simos and Ilias Karagiannis
Thousands of Orthodox faithful were joined by Australia’s political leaders on Saturday, October 5 at an Official Welcome Doxology for His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who had landed in Sydney overnight for his first official visit to the country in 28 years to mark the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
The Welcome Doxology was held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney, and also marked the official blessing and reopening of the church after it was closed to undergo extensive renovations and upgrades in the form of a golden altar and throne, as well as detailed and beautiful iconography.
Whilst the faithful gathered outside to welcome the Ecumenical Patriarch, official guests including the Greek Deputy Minister of Culture, Iason Fotilas, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, were seated inside in preparation for the Doxology.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside Federal Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite, later turned up and were greeted by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The Prime Minister, Mr Thistlethwaite and Archbishop Makarios spoke with the faithful gathered outside, before a drumming band signalled the imminent arrival of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
His All-Holiness participated in a procession to the Redfern Cathedral surrounded by Archbishop Makarios, Bishops and clergy from across Australia, before stopping just outside the church to greet the Prime Minister, Mr Thistlethwaite and the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley.
Following a traditional Smoking Ceremony, the Ecumenical Patriarch took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially reopen the Cathedral to the public. He later went inside and took part in a moving Doxology service which included the rich chanting of numerous clergy and chanters.
The service made room for a number of official speeches as well. Archbishop Makarios spoke first and gave a detailed historical overview of Greek migration to Australia and the subsequent establishment of the GOAA.
In his speech, the Archbishop highlighted the significance of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit, saying: “This is indeed a historic occasion, not only for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia but also for the whole of Australian society. One of the largest minorities of the fifth continent is marking its centenary here, and entering its second century, having made a crucial contribution to the culture, education, unity, solidarity, and democratic spirit of this blessed country.”
“The presence of Ms Beazley, and our esteemed Prime Minister, Mr Albanese, along with other political figures, ambassadors, MPs, and senators, is, in my opinion, a clear indication that the Archdiocese of Australia has progressed in the best possible way. It has fulfilled and continues to fulfil its mission of service, love, unity, progress, and peace, and it has certainly earned a prominent place in the consciousness of Australian society,” the Archbishop added.
For her part, the Governor Ms Beazley discussed the significant contributions of the Greek community to Australia, including their integration and cultural enrichment. She also spoke of the personal significance of the church to her family and the broader community.
“It is an honour to be here with you. The entire community is honoured by your [the Ecumenical Patriarch’s] presence. This is a most significant celebration, a significant centenary of the Greek Orthodox Church,” she said.
When it was time for the Prime Minister to speak, Mr Albanese highlighted the role of Greek Australians to society and the importance of preserving their heritage. He also announced that the Federal Government would be providing up to $25 million to fund further restoration works at the Redfern Cathedral. Funds would go towards upgrading St Andrew’s Theological College, a new Great Hall, a library and a museum.
“This is an investment that will benefit the whole community. Not just the Greek Australian community or the Greek Orthodox community, but the whole community of our multicultural nation,” Mr Albanese said.
“This is a vision that His Eminence has had and has gone through government processes to provide support for because it is about honouring and preserving centuries of tradition, sharing knowledge with the whole nation and passing it down to future generations and nourishing aspiration for the next 100 years of community and faith.”
His All-Holiness spoke after Mr Albanese, and thanked all attendees for their presence.
“We continue to experience the joy of Pentecost, the certainty of unity, the spirit of the diaspora, the enthusiasm of the youth, the love of the faithful flock, and everyone’s devotion to the Mother Church, our Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Patriarch of the Nation,” he said.
After thanking Ms Beazley for her lengthy speech, he addressed Mr Albanese.
“Your Excellency, Mr Prime Minister, your presence at today’s event is a testament to the dynamic spirit of the Greek community in Australia. We thank you for being here, and I wish to express my gratitude for the support the Australian government has shown to our compatriots, providing them with the prospect of a better life during difficult and tragic times. You have always been close to the Greek community, both institutionally and personally, and you honour our Archbishop with your friendship,” he said.
The end of these speeches marked the conclusion of the Doxology, with the Ecumenical Patriarch, Archbishop and Bishops returning to the altar to sign the Gospel as a mark of remembrance for the special day.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
