His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited Taronga Zoo in Sydney on Tuesday, October 8.
Zookeepers provided a walking tour for the Ecumenical Patriarch and gave him information on Australian wildlife as they wandered through areas dedicated to educational programs for school students.
Alongside his entourage, which included His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Ecumenical Patriarch interacted with numerous animals including kangaroos and koalas.
Ecumenical Patriarch speaks about impact of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Welfare Centre
After his zoo visit, the Ecumenical Patriarch blessed a luncheon held in his honour by the Welfare Centre of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
During the event, he conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Centre’s administration, staff and volunteers for their unwavering commitment to helping those in need through their various initiatives.
“The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and the Greek Welfare Centre do not limit themselves to providing financial assistance alone. They embrace nearly every aspect of contemporary life,” His All-Holiness said.
The Centre offers services ranging from psychological and social support to specialised programs for families, the elderly, youth, and the sick, and facilitates connections with government services, as well as many other specialised and pioneering services.
“For the overall contribution and testimony of the Welfare Centre, we extend our warmest congratulations and prayers from the Holy Great Church of Christ and from myself personally to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, under whose blessing and guidance this work continues,” the Ecumenical Patriarch added.
“Of course, nothing in the Church is the work of a single individual, as our Holy Church is a community and communion of persons… At the Greek Welfare Centre, 287 individuals work with exemplary dedication and commitment, with divine zeal and devotion, while many others offer their services voluntarily, either on a permanent or occasional basis. To them, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude.”
Source: Orthodox Times.
