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Vasili’s Taxidi: When One Family and Another Family Become One – Pelopidas Catering

The Greek Herald
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Vasili’s Taxidi: When One Family and Another Family Become One – Pelopidas Catering

By Vasilis Vasilas

Throughout Vasili’s journey throughout Sydney’s Greek business community, one recurring theme is the importance of family in a business’ success. And what is amazing is how the support and care in one family’s business transcends into the family that takes over this business. The same strong family values and attitudes are passed on and the business continues to grow. One family fosters a warm and loving work environment and the next family continues on with it…      

Our lives are full of wonderful moments, whether they are engagements, weddings and baptisms, and they become etched in our family’s stories. On these special occasions, we rely on someone to make sure that everything runs smoothly and everyone walks away (at the end) completely happy and satisfied. How many of us have organised or attended one of these special occasions, and have had Pelopidas Catering make sure it was a magical occasion? 

Pelopidas Keravnos migrated to Australia in 1970; in Sydney, his first job was in Riverstone abbatoirs; a huge strike prompts his cynicism about its reasons and he finds work at Arthur Roufagalis’ milk bar in Bondi Junction and he works here for a number of years.

Photos: Vasilis Vasilas

Marrying Anthoula in 1977, and wanting venture into his own business, Pelopidas and his κουμπάρο, Kostas Christodoulou, established the catering business, Lefkosia Catering. Like so many beginnings, it was initially difficult but this dynamic duo’s philosophy of respecting their customers’ wishes and providing excellent service and delicious food won over customers. Back then, Pelopidas and Kostas prepared foods like the dips in Kostas’ garage and did all the cooking at the reception centres and halls- people appreciated hot food on the premises!

Despite their success, Kosta moved onto running successful reception centres while Pelopidas continued in catering and established Pelopidas Catering (1988). Reflecting on his decision to continue catering, Pelopidas points out, ‘I enjoyed the freedom go moving around different venues whether it was the Marana Hall, Hurstville, or the Kos Association Hall in Petersham. Being free, I could cater numerous functions at the same time, whereas running a function centre limited you with one of two functions. One time, we catered twelve functions during one weekend!’ 

Photos: Vasilis Vasilas

Through another κουμπάρο, Savvas Plakides, who worked for hims, the Pericleous family’s sons- Perry, Kokos, Moysis and Mario- all found casual work at Pelopidas Catering. Even the parents, Haralambos and Haralmbia began working there! Coming from Argaka (Paphos), Cyrpurs, the Pericleous family migrated to Australia in 1977. 

With Pelopidas establishing a base on Canterbury Road, Canterbury, for all the preparations to be made, and Perry finishing his hospitality management TAFE course, an opportunity arose for the Pericleous family to become partners in the business (1992) and they then subsequently bought it (1995)- with Pelopidas everpresent to help and advise the family. Expanding the business, the Pericleous family ran the function centre, Fontana Amorosa, at Liverpool’s Agios Rafael Greek Orthodox Church (1998) and the function centre at Blacktown’s Agia Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church (2001). 

All four brothers emphasise every function is very different whether it is catering for touring Greek singers Michalis Violaris, Rita Sakellariou and Gita Lidia or an outddor glala day for Sydney Olympic Soccer Club; yet, it does not matter what type of function it is, the late Haralambos Pericleous philosophy was always ‘please your visitors before you please yourself’ and the family strives to be the perfect hosts in making sure of this- offering high quality service and food which is always great value..

Photos: Vasilis Vasilas

Asked about the secret of keeps the family business together, all four Pericleous sons agree, ‘It is all about what is best for the family. We may have our differences, but work through them because we have been together all our lives, and this is our strength. Even our children work in the business, so this is a third-generation family business! And we have such strong ties with Pelopidas’ family, as we may be in contact with Anthoula three or four times a week. And Pelopidas and Anthoula’s daughter, Irini (Plangides) has baptised one child in each of our families. We are κουμπάροι four times!’  

And what keeps people coming back over the years, ‘We have customers whom we catered for their engagement, wedding and baptisms; the years pass and their children are now going through the same cycle and they come to us. Why? As we are dealing with families’ special moments, we cater for them in the same way as if they are our family. We are also part of their celebration. When we offer zivania to our customers at the beginning of each function, it represents a toast to our customers as if they are our extended family’.

Feature panelists explore ways to increase Greece and Diaspora cooperation at the 5th Delphi Forum

The Greek Herald
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Feature panelists explore ways to increase Greece and Diaspora cooperation at the 5th Delphi Forum

Feature guests took to the stage to discuss ways on strengthening the relations between Greece and Diaspora as part of the 5th Delphi Economic Forum, on Thursday 18 June.

The discussion was held in English and featured:

  • George Prevelakis, Professor emeritus, Sorbonne University (Paris 1), Permanent Representative of Greece at the OECD
  • Bill Papastergiadis, Managing Partner, Moray & Agnew Lawyers, Australia
  • Endy Zemenides, Executive Director, Hellenic-American Leadership Council, USA
  • Moderator: Antonis Papayannides, Managing Director, Economia Publishing, Greece

During the discussion, a number of issues related to Diaspora’s cooperation with Greece were discussed, as well as proposals for improving these relations in the future.

Four issues were of main consideration during the panel:

  • What is the current make up of the Diaspora
  • Is now a good time to further the relationship
  • How is the Diaspora currently dealing with this relationship
  • What are the impediments?

According to Mr Papastergiadis, it was predicted that the Greek Diaspora in Australia would shrink numerically and culturally as a result of the termination of Greek immigration post 1974. However, following the economic crisis and collapse of the Greek economy, there has been a huge repatriation of the Greek-Australian Diaspora back to Australia.

It is estimated by Dr A. Tamis, that there are approximately 80,000 Greek-Australian citizens that returned to Australia and 10,000 Greek settlers on various visas.

“The Diaspora in Australia is not homogenous, Melbourne is different to Sydney – for example – those born in Greece differ from their children and then they differ from those who have married into other ethnicity,” he said.

“There is no homogenous national identity. Equally, there has been a change of view about the Greek homeland. That yearning for the return to Greece is no longer related to a melancholy story of loss and decay. Hence, the idea of belonging has changed over a period of time with the recognition of cultural differences.”

Read More: Delphi Economic Forum continues with ways to improve cooperation between homeland and diaspora

Mr Papastergiadis believe’s that now is the time to move forward in developing the relationship between Greece and Australia. “In Australia, the politicians and policy makers know that the Greek Diaspora is good for business,” he said.

“In Australia and particularly in Melbourne, the Greek community is considered amongst the strongest if not the strongest ethnic group. It stimulates trade, provides links to foreign markets and expanded services for the community. The government provides and funds festivals and numerous cultural and educational programs.”

Referring to the meeting held in July 2019 with Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Mr Papastergiadis discussed the issue of postal vote from Diaspora.

Discussing the importance of the right to vote for Greeks living abroad, Mr Papastergiadis emphasised that:
“A vote means more than just filling out a ballot. It means reflecting and engaging on all issues that relate to your country. It brings you closer to your country. By allowing the vote, Greece will send a message to its citizens that everyone counts. That we are all one. Hopefully this will lead to more engagement both culturally and economically.”

Father of Milton Orkopoulos victim claims he wrote to former PM over abuse

The Greek Herald
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Father of Milton Orkopoulos victim claims he wrote to former PM over abuse

The father of one of Milton Orkopoulos’ alleged victims claimed he tried to alert Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd that another MP had covered up warnings that Orkopoulos was preying on children.

But the former PM says he has no memory of being informed of any complaint reaching his office.

Read More: Milton Orkopoulos to face court on 15 new child sex abuse offences

Orkopoulos this week was charged with charged with 15 new child sex abuse offences. Police allege Orkopoulos sexually and indecently assaulted two juvenile boys known to him on separate occasions in the 1990s at locations in Lake Macquarie and on the NSW mid-north coast.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the father of one of the victims, who made allegations towards the former MP in 2014, claims the matter had not been properly handled by police or the Labor Party.

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd says he does not remember any complaints about pedophile former Labor MP Milton Orkopoulos. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

The father claimed he wrote to Mr Rudd, then the prime minister, in 2009, naming a Federal MP he said was made aware in 1997 that Orkopoulos allegedly abused his son. He claims he received a response from an adviser saying it was inappropriate for the PM’s office to interfere in state matters and he should contact law enforcement.

But a spokesman for Mr Rudd said thousands of messages reached the office of the prime minister each week and he has “zero recollection” of hearing such information.

“Mr Rudd’s office as prime minister would have received thousands of items of correspondence each week,” the spokesman said. “These were routinely dealt with either by the correspondence unit attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, by staff members or by the public service.”

Orkopoulos is alleged to have molested a boy in a shower in 1993 or 1994. Photo: John Grainger/The Daily Telegraoh

Mr Rudd said he had no recollection of hearing any rumours about other victims nor recalls any engagement with any other MPs about the matter.

“The staffer’s purported advice (to the father) was to take the matter to state law enforcement, as opposed to in any way concealing the matter or letting it drop,” the spokesman said.

There is no suggestion Mr Rudd ever received the letters personally.

Orkopoulos was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court via audio-visual link on Tuesday.

The convicted paedophile spent 11-and-a-half years in jail after he was convicted of 30 child sex, drug and child porn offences.

“As you would expect, coming forward in relation to being a victim of a sexual offence is a very traumatic experience,” said Superintendent Sullivan. “We are very thankful for the courage shown.”

Sourced By: Daily Telegraoh/The Greek Herald

Elena Carapetis’ theatre production ‘The Gods of Strangers’ to be streamed online for free

Andriana Simos
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Elena Carapetis’ theatre production ‘The Gods of Strangers’ to be streamed online for free

State Theatre Company South Australia and Country Arts SA are making the 2018 production of The Gods of Strangers by Elena Carapetis available to stream online in Australia from 22 June to 29 June, 2020.

Inspired by the oral histories of Greek, Cypriot and Italian migrants to regional South Australia, The Gods of Strangers explores the untold struggles of belonging, identity and family in post World War II Australia.

Featuring Dina Panozzo, Renato Musolino and Eugenia Fragos, this multicultural drama was written from the heart by Greek Cypriot Elena Carapetis and as a result, it has received critical acclaim.

The Gods of Strangers features Dina Panozzo, Renato Musolino and Eugenia Fragos. Source: State Theatre Company South Australia.

“This play is destined to become a contemporary classic of Australian theatre,” writes The Upside News.

“South Australia’s most promising new playwright,” The Barefoot Review says about Carapetis.

With such high praise, there’s no doubt The Gods of Strangers is not to be missed when it streams online for a limited time. If you want to gain access to the streaming link please sign up here.

SYNOPSIS:

It’s 1947. Two women in Port Pirie greet unexpected guests at their doors. At one, there’s a man looking for shelter, work and to leave his past behind him. At the other, a woman seeking someone she has lost and something that was stolen from her.

It is said that if a stranger knocks on your door, you let them in – they could be a god in disguise. But, what do they bring in with them?

The Gods of Strangers is a trilingual performance. It will be performed in English, with sections of the play being performed in Greek and Italian with English subtitles.

Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes.

BREAKING: Australian government and private sectors hit by major cyber attack

The Greek Herald
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BREAKING: Australian government and private sectors hit by major cyber attack

Australia is currently being hit with a massive cyber attack by a “sophisticated, state-based cyber actor”, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.

“This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure,” Mr Morrison told reporters Canberra.

“We know it is a sophisticated, state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used. Regrettably, this activity is not new. Frequency has been increasing.”

Mr Morrison said the government was announcing the issue today “not to raise concerns in the public’s mind but to raise awareness in the public’s mind”.

Parliament House in Canberra, Australia. Photo: Australian Federal Gov.

He said so far there had been no large-scale data breaches of Australians’ personal information as a result of the attacks.

“This is the world that we live in. These are the threats that we have to deal with. The fact that these threats present is not a surprise in this world in which we now live and the actions that we are taking are the actions that we need to take and we will continue to be as ever vigilant as we possibly can,” he said.

The ABC reports that China is behind the malicious attacks, yet Mr Morrison said the Federal Government would not be making “any public attribution” about the attack.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the attacks were “not new” but the “frequency has been increasing … over many months”.

“It hasn’t just started,” he said.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 18: Prime Minister Scott Morrison during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House, on June 18, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

“This is a constant threat to Australia, as it is to many other nations and you would be aware of many other nations having highlighted similar activity in their jurisdictions. This has been a constant issue for Australia to deal with and so I wouldn’t say that there has been any one event or any one instance.”

He said it had been an “issue of ongoing management, defence and cooperation, working with private operators, other governments, all levels of government and other organisations”.

Mr Morrison said the Opposition had been notified last night, as had state and territory premiers and chief ministers.

“A number of them have already been involved working with our agencies on these issues,” he said.

“In addition to that there will be further technical briefings conducted with the states and territories today.”

On this day in 1951, Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos died aged 67

The Greek Herald
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On this day in 1951, Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos died aged 67

Angelos Sikelianos was one of Greece’s most distinguished poets, born on the island of Lefkada on March 15, 1884. Dedicating his life to his work, Sikelianos developed some of Greece’s most prestigious pieces of literature, being nominated five times for a Nobel Prize.

His first poem “Alafroiskiotos”, written in 1907 on a trip to Egypt, was a true hymn to Greek nature, written with admirable power and coarse original lyrics. During the Balkan Wars (1912-1913), in which he took part, he wrote patriotic poems, which were published in newspapers, magazines and in the poetry collection “Verses” (1921).

In May 1927, in collaboration with his wife, Eva Palmer-Sikelianos, Sikelianos held the Delphic Festival as part of his general effort towards a revival of the ‘Delphic Idea’. The ‘Delphic Feasts’ featured performances of ancient tragedies and popular exhibitions, attracting global attention.

Angelos Sikelianos with his wife Eva Palmer-Sikelianos.

Much of Sikelianos’ poetic inspiration is drawn from themes from the ancient Greek world, mythology and mysticism. Such are his tragedies: “Dithyrambus of Rhodes” (1933) and “Daedalus in Crete”, as well as many poems. 

The poetic creation of Sikelianos is of special value, from when the first signs of World War II began to its end. During the occupation of Greece, he secretly wrote and published “Akritika” (1941-1942), a cry of pain for enslaved Hellenism. In 1947, his poetic work titled “Lyrical Life” was published in three volumes.

On June 4, 1951, due to a mistake by a domestic helper, he received a disinfectant instead of his medicine, suffering severe burns to his respiratory organs. On June 19, 1951, he died at the “Pammakaristos” clinic in Athens.

Sourced By: San Simera

Greek MasterChef winner gifts half of prize money to runner-up

The Greek Herald
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Greek MasterChef winner gifts half of prize money to runner-up

Never seen before on the Australian version of the popular cooking show, winner of Masterchef Greece Stavros Varthalitis announced on Thursday that he is gifting half of his prize money to runner-up Stavris Georgiou.

Hundreds of thousands of Greeks tuned in to watch Varthalitis be crowned the winner of Masterchef Greece 2020, beating out fierce competitor and friend Stavris Georgiou, Greek Reporter writes.

While Varthalitis rightly won the competition fair and square, he announced the next day that he would share the 50,000-euro prize with Georgiou.

“The prize money will be split 50-50,” he said speaking to interviewers from Star TV. “When I promise something, I keep my word,” he added, referring to a private deal the two competitors made during the show.

“Now that our real life begins, I don’t want to lose him. I want to maintain this healthy relationship that we had in the game as I hope we can cooperate as chefs in the near future,” Varthalitis added.

Masterchef Australia is close to wrapping up its twelfth season of the show. The show features a new panel of judges following judges George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan leaving due to a failed commercial agreement.

‘Ikoyenia is love and a sense of belonging,’ says Stephanie Timotheou on her bilingual children’s book series

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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‘Ikoyenia is love and a sense of belonging,’ says Stephanie Timotheou on her bilingual children’s book series

Ikoyenia, or family, is a word describing the basic social unit in Greek society. It is also the title of a bilingual, four-part children’s books series written by Adelaide based Greek-Cypriot mum and journalist, Stephanie Timotheou.

“As a journalist I am always writing, but most of the time writing for a newspaper doesn’t allow you to completely unleash your creative flair. When I found out I was pregnant in 2018, I started searching for a sentimental book I could give to my mum and mother-in-law about being a yiayia (grandmother).

“I couldn’t find the perfect book, so I decided I would write one of my own. ‘Cooking with Yiayia’ is a tribute to them, as well as my own yiayiathes,” Mrs Timotheou told The Greek Herald shortly before the release of the first part of her Ikoyenia stories.

Cooking with Yiayia, is a bilingual rhyming book about one little Greek girl and the bond she has with her Yiayia through cooking. The book is written in English and Greek to encourage children to learn the language.

“Without our heritage, who are we?”

Having grown close to her own grandmothers and in deep connection with her Cypriot roots, Mrs Timotheou wants to pass on the love for her culture to her daughter Anthea.

“My biggest fear is that when our grandparents and parents are gone, nobody is going to carry on our beautiful culture and traditions. I think it’s important to maintain and preserve our heritage because without it, who are we?

“Geographically we are so far away from Greece and Cyprus and it’s easy to lose sight of where we came from, so I think, more than ever, we need to keep our culture well and truly alive,” Timotheou said.

“To me, ikoyenia is home. It’s heart, soul and passion. It’s love, loyalty and a sense of belonging. It’s a very special thing that can’t be replaced.

“If my books can bring people together through storytime, my job is done. There’s nothing like a physical book, especially in this day and age where we are so consumed by technology. I think books bring people back into the present, real world and they are something we all need in our lives.”

The self-taught illustrator who brought the book to life

In the Ikoyenia book series, Stephanie’s written text is decorated with the simplistic family characters who were brought to life by Australian self-taught illustrator, Rachel Darling.

“For the most part, all of the characters wear happy little smiles, as they enjoy their family time with each other. I’ve really enjoyed bringing that feeling to life through these characters and illustrations,” said Darling, explaining that her only connection with the Greek culture are her many Greek friends, a summer holiday in Greece and a bit of Greek language learning back in Primary School.

“I’ve always loved Greek food and had a fascination with Greek mythology, which I really enjoyed learning more about in Greece last year,” she said.

*The three books to follow are Gardening with Pappou, Playtime with Baba and Bedtime with Mama. You can order the books here: https://www.ikoyenia.com.au

TGH Exclusive: Harry Vatiliotis has been hand making exquisite violins for 66 years

Andriana Simos
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TGH Exclusive: Harry Vatiliotis has been hand making exquisite violins for 66 years

“When I was a young boy in Cyprus, I used to play the violin as the bride walked down the aisle,” Harry Vatiliotis tells The Greek Herald as he reminisces about the good old days. “I always liked the violin.”

Almost 66 years later and Harry’s passion for the violin has only grown stronger. The Cypriot Australian is now arguably Australia’s best regarded and most prolific luthier (someone who makes instruments with strings, a neck and sound box). He has singlehandedly made more than 780 violins, many of which are now played by leading musicians in Australia and internationally.

With all these accomplishments, it should have come as no surprise that Harry was recognised for his craft in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2020. But according to the humble man himself, he really didn’t expect the recognition.

Harry Vatiliotis was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday List for 2020. Photography: Pete Dillon.

“When I found out I had become a Member of the Order (AM) I was overwhelmed and surprised. I didn’t expect it,” Harry says.

“A lot of my clients were really excited as well. Maybe even more so than me. A couple of them said: ‘it’s about time one of us got a gong’.”

It’s not surprising Harry’s clients were his biggest supporters. For years, Harry has worked continuously from his Concord workshop, ensuring his violins are handcrafted to perfection to meet the exact needs of those who pay for his services.

However, whilst he is happy to experiment with different oil and spirit varnishes if the client requests him to, Harry still favours the traditional methods of the Cremonese school of violin makers. This was a method he was introduced to when he first arrived in Australia from Cyprus in 1952 at the age of 15.

Harry is a skilled luthier. Photography: Pete Dillon.

“I was born in the village of Vatili in Cyprus but when I was 15, my family and I came to Australia. My first job was at the Eveleigh railway workshops in Sydney, where one of my fellow workers told me that if I was serious about making violins, I should get an apprenticeship with A E Smith and Company. They were Australia’s leading violin makers and repairers back then,” Harry explains.

“I took his advice and it was a success. I joined the company in 1953 and a year later, I made my first violin.”

Harry remained with the violinery and learnt all the tricks of the trade until 1970, when he eventually decided it was time for him to mentor other aspiring luthiers. He did this by conducting Australia’s first (and only) stringed instrument-making course at the University of Sydney’s Art Workshop from 1981-84. Something Harry says brought him a lot of happiness.

Harry enjoys teaching the younger generation how to play music on his violin. Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

“I’ve got no secrets. I’m happy to teach anyone and I think people got a lot of pleasure from my teaching. I really just want to pass on my skills to other people,” Harry says with a smile.

It’s clear that Harry has lived a happy and fulfilled life. So fulfilled in fact, that he says he will probably semi-retire this year and close the door on a lifetime of the violin craft.

“I wanted to keep going until 2023 and complete my 70 years in the trade, but I think I might semi-retire at 66 years instead. That’s still good! I won’t go cold turkey that’s for sure. I’ll still be in touch with the musical world in any way I can,” he exclaims.

A resounding promise that the Greek Australian community will definitely be relieved to hear.

Read this article in Greek in The Greek Herald‘s print edition on June 19.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese responds to reports concerning Archbishop’s alleged residence

Andriana Simos
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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese responds to reports concerning Archbishop’s alleged residence

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios has responded to recent reports concerning his alleged $6.5 million Sydney Harbour apartment.

Read the full English statement:

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia makes the following comments in relation to the purchase of a property by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Consolidated Trust (‘Consolidated Trust’) in Sydney, where the headquarters of the Archdiocese are situated:

1.Given that a) the Archdiocese does not possess a suitable residence for the Archbishop, and b) the Archbishop, together with some of the services provided by the Archdiocesan Central Offices in Redfern, are shortly to be relocated to allow for extensive renovations, various options were considered, including the possibility of renting a suitable property for this purpose. However, due to high and unfavourable rental prices in Sydney, the Consolidated Trust decided instead to proceed with the purchase of a property.

2. After examining the property market in Sydney, an apartment in Kent Street, valued at $6.5M, was identified, both for its suitability for the specific purpose, and as an excellent investment opportunity for the Archdiocese. Certain renovations to the property, enhancing its value, were then carried out and funded in total by a private benefactor of the Archdiocese.   

3. The process relating to the acquisition of the property was absolutely legal and there was no formal objection regarding this matter. The property in question does not belong to a private individual or to the Archbishop but is vested totally in the Consolidated Trust, the statutory corporation established by the NSW Parliament with the task of holding the real estate assets of the Archdiocese in trust for the Church. Furthermore, there is no outstanding debt to the Archdiocese for the said property.

4. The Archbishop continues to reside within the Archdiocesan building in Redfern. The Archdiocese unequivocally refutes any suggestion that the Archbishop currently resides in this particular apartment, or that he has stated that he will reside there and places on record that, up to this point, no such decision has been taken by him.

5. Regrettably, certain persons, lacking both competency and any legal responsibility, are stirring up the issue relating to the purchase of the property in question, by publishing letters and promoting media articles, with a view to harming the good reputation of the Archdiocese and Archbishop Makarios. The Archdiocese, responsibly and officially, declares that the Consolidated Trust is represented only by its members. Statements relating to the actions of the Consolidated Trust originating from any other source cannot be considered objective or reliable and are disseminated in order to serve other self-seeking interests.

From the Offices of the Archdiocese I 18 June 2020

Read the full Greek statement:

Η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αυστραλίας ανακοινώνει τα εξής, σε σχέση με την αγορά ακινήτου από το Consolidated Trust στο Σύδνεϋ, όπου είναι και η έδρα της:

1. Δεδομένου ότι: α. η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αυστραλίας δε διαθέτει κατάλληλη αρχιεπισκοπική κατοικία, β. ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος και κάποιες από τις υπηρεσίες θα πρέπει να μεταφερθούν από τα Κεντρικά Γραφεία, λόγω της εκ βάθρων ανακαινίσεώς τους,  μελετήθηκε κατ’ αρχάς το ενδεχόμενο ενοικιάσεως ακινήτου, προκειμένου να χρησιμοποιηθεί για τον συγκεκριμένο σκοπό. Ωστόσο, λόγω των υψηλών και ασύμφορων ενοικίων στο Σύδνεϋ, το Consolidated Trust αποφάσισε να προχωρήσει στην αγορά ακινήτου.

2. Μετά από μελέτη αγοράς κτηματομεσιτικού γραφείου προκρίθηκε το ακίνητο στην οδό Kent, αξίας 6,5 εκ. δολαρίων, αφενός μεν για την καταλληλότητά του για το συγκεκριμένο σκοπό, αφετέρου δε για τη μελλοντική υπεραξία του, η οποία εγγυάται μια άριστη επένδυση για την Αρχιεπισκοπή. Στον επενδυτικό αυτό σκοπό συνέτεινε επίσης και το γεγονός ότι την ανακαίνιση του ακινήτου, η οποία αυξάνει την αξία του, ανέλαβε οικονομικώς εξ ολοκλήρου γνωστός επιχειρηματίας, ευεργέτης της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής.

3. Όλη η διαδικασία της αγοράς είναι καθ’ όλα νόμιμη και δεν υπήρξε καμία επίσημη αντίδραση επ’ αυτής. Το ακίνητο αυτό δεν ανήκει σε ιδιώτη, ούτε στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο, αλλά απολύτως και εξ ολοκλήρου στο Consolidated Trust. Δεν εκκρεμεί κανένα δάνειο της Αρχιεπισκοπής σχετικά με τη συγκεκριμένη περιουσία.

4. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος συνεχίζει να διαμένει στο κτίριο της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αυστραλίας. Διαψεύδουμε απερίφραστα όσους ισχυρίζονται ότι ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος διαμένει στη συγκεκριμένη κατοικία ή ότι έχει δηλώσει ότι θα διαμένει εκεί και επισημαίνουμε ότι μέχρι στιγμής δεν έχει ληφθεί τέτοια απόφαση εκ μέρους του.

5. Δυστυχώς, κάποιοι, δίχως να είναι αρμόδιοι και δίχως να έχουν κάποια νομική ευθύνη, ανακινούν το ζήτημα της αγοράς του συγκεκριμένου ακινήτου με σκοπό να θίξουν την Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή και τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αυστραλίας κ. Μακάριο, γράφοντας επιστολές και προκαλώντας δημοσιεύματα. Υπεύθυνα και επίσημα δηλώνουμε ότι το Consolidated Trust εκπροσωπείται μόνο από τα μέλη του. Πληροφορίες σχετικά με τις ενέργειες του Consolidated Trust που προέρχονται από οπουδήποτε αλλού προφανώς δεν είναι αντικειμενικές και αξιόπιστες και διασπείρονται γιατί εξυπηρετούν ιδιοτελή συμφέροντα.

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