The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has proclaimed 2026 as the “Year of Patriarch Bartholomew,” honouring the 35th anniversary of the Patriarchate of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
A series of events will be held across Australia throughout the year, culminating in a sacred pilgrimage to Constantinople in October, where a grand celebration will take place on the anniversary of his election.
The announcement was joyfully delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia during the Vasilopita-cutting ceremony of the Archdiocese, held on Friday, January 2, at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney.
In a speech, the Archbishop expressed the Church’s deep gratitude for the pastoral care and support of the Ecumenical Patriarch, noting he is now the longest-serving Primate of the Apostolic Throne of Constantinople.
Archbishop Makarios thanked the Greek Orthodox Christian Society for its key role in organising the Constantinople pilgrimage and invited the faithful to take part either in the journey or in commemorative events held nationwide.
He also encouraged those present to set spiritual goals for 2026 and reflected on the past year, including the historic election of Bishop Athinagoras of Canberra and Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta, the first time the Holy Eparchial Synod compiled a list of candidates by vote.
After cutting the traditional Vasilopita, Archbishop Makarios distributed the pieces and shared his paternal wishes, offering special congratulations to Antonia Fantakis, who found the coin.
The ceremony was attended by hierarchs, clergy and representatives of Church organisations from across Sydney.
