Following his tour in Melbourne and Perth, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, George Papacostas, visited the offices of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) on Tuesday, December 19.
The Ambassador was accompanied by his wife Gohar Badalyan, and the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas.
In his first-ever visit to South Australia since he assumed his diplomatic duties in February 2020, the Ambassador was met by several members of the Administrative Council, including President Peter Gardiakos and the new General Manager, Con Dalagiorgos.
Mr Papacostas took the opportunity to learn about GOCSA’s Greek Language Schools and Dance Academy, as well as the Ridleyton Greek Home for the Aged (RGHA). He was also proud to hear about the organisation’s numerous cultural initiatives and its commitment to preserve and further advance the Greek language and culture by engaging in constructive intercultural dialogue with the state’s diverse communities.
Mr Gardiakos emphasised the importance of the Ambassador’s visit as a way to enhance ties with the motherland and boost the morale of the state’s Greek community.
“I am very pleased with what I see here, at the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia. Hellenism here grows and prospers. It’s an organisation where the older generation of Greeks pass on the knowledge of their ancestors to the younger generation, which is very encouraging for the future,” Mr Papacostas said.
“I am sure this good work will continue with the current President and Administrative Council.”
Mr Psiachas stated, “It is a great pleasure to have the Ambassador here in Adelaide, where he got to see the city, meet with community stakeholders and discuss issues that concern them in person.”
Two books detailing the rich history and journey of the GOCSA were presented to the Ambassador, as well as a white orchid plant as a token of appreciation on his first visit to Adelaide and to GOCSA’s head offices.
The Ambassador also took time to sign and write a message in the official visitors’ book of GOCSA, which interestingly was first signed by the 35th Premier of South Australia, Don Dunstan, in 1975.
