Archbishop Makarios of Australia inaugurated a new independent living facility for seniors in Cairns, North Queensland on Saturday, June 15.
The Estia on Arlington Lifestyle Apartments are an initiative of St John’s Community Care, which is a philanthropic organisation of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
Estia on Arlington has 32 independent apartments, with two bedrooms each and common areas. The facility is aimed at ensuring independent living conditions for elderly residents, with the constant care and support of dedicated staff onsite.
During the official opening of the facility on Saturday, Archbishop Makarios said Estia on Arlington would become a “refuge” where the elderly and those in need “can find comfort, dignity and a sense of belonging.”
“It has been designed not only to meet the physical needs of the residents, but also to cultivate their spiritual, emotional and social well-being,” the Archbishop added.
President of St John’s Community Care, Theo Bacalakis stressed that the organisation is dedicated to providing quality living services to seniors.
Present at the inauguration ceremony was Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Brisbane; Father John Kapetas and Father Sotirios Papafilopoulos, Parish Priests of the Church of Saint John the Baptist; Cr. Rhonda Coghlan, Local Councillor of the City of Cairns, representing Mayor Cr. Amy Eden; members of the Board of Directors of St John’s Community Care; and the staff of the newly established facility.
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