His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has visited the site of the deadly terrorist attack at Bondi, paying tribute to the victims and expressing solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.
The visit took place on Friday, December 19, when the Archbishop travelled to Bondi to lay flowers at a memorial created by members of the public in memory of those killed during the attack, which occurred on December 14 during a Hanukkah celebration.
Archbishop Makarios was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta. State politicians in attendance included Minister for Industrial Relations and Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Finance, Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos, and MP Eleni Petinos.
While at Bondi, the Archbishop met with members of the Jewish community, offering his personal support and condolences. Community representatives thanked him for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s immediate and unequivocal condemnation of the attack in its aftermath.
Later, Archbishop Makarios also met with Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, conveying condolences on behalf of himself, the Holy Eparchial Synod and the Orthodox Church in Australia.
Ms Mostyn thanked the Archbishop for visiting the site of the tragedy and acknowledged his leadership in promoting peaceful coexistence, solidarity and cooperation between faith communities during a time of national grief.
