On Wednesday, June 11, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia met with Greece’s Minister for Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni.
The discussion focused on the strong bonds between the Greek diaspora in Australia and the homeland, with particular attention given to ways of deepening these ties — especially among younger generations.
Archbishop Makarios also outlined the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s broad-ranging initiatives and future plans.
Minister Kefalogianni acknowledged the Church’s role in promoting unity and the ongoing development of Hellenism in Australia. She also highlighted the diaspora’s role as a valuable ambassador for Greece and agreed on the importance of maintaining open and consistent channels of communication and cooperation.
This meeting came after the Archbishop also met with Greece’s Defence Minister Nikos Dendias on Wednesday.
Archbishop Makarios has been overseas since early June, having participated in a Patriarchal and Synodal Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 1, held at the Patriarchal Church in Constantinople to mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.