Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the Church of Saint Nicholas on Saturday August 12 in Ballarat, known as the “city of Gold”, in Victoria.
This was the first time in history an Archbishop of Australia has visited the Greek Orthodox church in Ballarat, a strong hub for Hellenism in Australia over the centuries.
Archbishop Makarios congratulated the congregation in his address, “You are people who have kept the Greek language, the Orthodox faith and the Greek Orthodox ethos and mentality.”
“That is why I can say that it is an honour for me to be among you today.”
Ballarat became one of the worlds greatest gold rush boomtowns in 1851 when discoveries were made at Sovereign Hill.
The members of the community shared their gratitude and presented Archbishop Makarios with a piece of gold in reverence to their town and the many gold mines in Ballarat city.
