Marking the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA), His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew held a series of meetings with significant figures on Wednesday, October 9.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney
The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, along with the entire staff of the Consulate General, had the distinct honour of welcoming His All-Holiness.
The Ecumenical Patriarch was joined by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and other esteemed bishops, during the historic visit.
The Consulate General of Greece in Sydney took to social media to express the team’s gratitude for the meeting, writing, “A special joy and emotion for all of us!”
Premier of New South Wales
The Ecumenical Patriarch also made an official visit to the New South Wales Parliament, accompanied by Archbishop Makarios, Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, the Director of the Patriarchal Private Office and Archdeacon Athenagoras of the GOAA.
Upon arrival, they were greeted by NSW Premier Chris Minns, who escorted them to his office for a warm and productive discussion.
The meeting also included several state ministers: Steve Kamper, Minister for Small Business, Property, and Multiculturalism; Courtney Houssos, Minister for Finance, Industry, Government Procurement, and Natural Resources; and Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health & Safety.
The Ecumenical Patriarch conveyed his appreciation to Mr Minns for attending the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. He also acknowledged the strong collaboration between the government and the GOAA.
Following their discussions, the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Premier exchanged commemorative gifts as a gesture of goodwill.
Turkish Ambassador and Consul General of Turkey in Sydney
Also on Wednesday, the Ecumenical Patriarch held a cordial meeting with the Ambassador of Turkey to Australia, Ufuk Gezer, and Consul General Belgin Ergüneş at the official Consular Residence.
He was accompanied by Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, Grand Protosyncellus Gregory, and Archon Konstantinos Delikostantis, Director of the First Patriarchal Office.
Source: Orthodox Times.
