The Mayor of Florina, Vasilios Giannakis, and Metropolitan Irinaios of Florina, Prespes and Eordaia were warmly welcomed in Sydney by the Greek community as part of their official visit to Australia, which continues until 31 January.
The visit forms part of a broader program of engagement with the Greek diaspora, involving meetings with community, ecclesiastical and institutional representatives across several Australian states. From the outset, the tour has been positioned not as a series of formal courtesy calls, but as a meaningful effort to strengthen ties with the diaspora during a significant period for the Municipality of Florina and its future direction.
Luncheon hosted by Pan-Macedonian and regional organisations
As part of their Sydney program, a luncheon was hosted on 17 January by the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW, in collaboration with the International Pan-Macedonian Federation and with the participation of the Greek Brotherhood of Chalkidiki ‘Aristotelis’ of NSW.
Held at the Boatshed Restaurant in La Perouse, the luncheon brought together delegates, members and friends of the community in a warm and collegial atmosphere. The event was hosted under the leadership of Anastasia Karakominakis, President of the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW, alongside International Pan-Macedonian Federation President George Kosmidis.
Also present were representatives of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, including Consul General George Skemperis, as well as members of Macedonian and regional organisations. Attendees included representatives of the Greek Brotherhood of Chalkidiki ‘Aristotelis’ of NSW, with Costa Dantos among those present.
The luncheon provided an opportunity for open discussion and connection, reaffirming the enduring cultural and historical ties between Florina and the Greek-Australian Macedonian community, and highlighting the importance of continued engagement and cooperation with the diaspora.
