His Eminence Metropolitan Irineos of Florina, Prespa and Eordaia is currently undertaking an official visit to the state of Victoria.
On Saturday, 24 January, His Eminence presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a parish of deep historical and spiritual significance for the local Greek community.
The Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius was founded by migrants originating from Florina and the wider region of Western Macedonia. Through faith, sacrifice and collective effort, these families established a vibrant ecclesiastical centre that has served generations of Greek Australians.
From its earliest years, the parish became not only a place of worship, but a focal point of community life, preserving the Orthodox faith, Greek language and cultural traditions far from the homeland.
On behalf of the Archbishop of Australia, His Eminence Bishop of Chora Eumenios formally welcomed Metropolitan Irineos, conveying the joy and emotion of the local Church at the presence of a Hierarch whose pastoral ministry is closely connected to the origins of many parish founders and members.
Also in attendance at the Divine Liturgy was the Mayor of Florina, Vasileios Giannakis, accompanied by his wife, adding special symbolic meaning to the occasion and reinforcing the enduring bonds between Greece and the Greek diaspora in Australia.
In brief remarks following the service, Metropolitan Irineos expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Makarios of Australia for his blessing and hospitality. He spoke warmly of the Greek community in Australia and praised the generations of migrants who, wherever they settled, placed the establishment of the Church at the heart of their communal life, safeguarding their spiritual identity and heritage.
