Australian Government to “show understanding” towards Greek Easter services, Scott Morrison says

·

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has responded to the growing concerns of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, affirming to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia that private easter ceremonies conducted in the church will not be interrupted by members of authority.

Scott Morrison stressed that Easter Holy Week services for the Orthodox churches are “a special ritual that requires the presence of more than two or three people” and concluded by noting that “The Australian Government will show understanding during this period for the Churches of the Orthodox Archdiocese.”

His Eminence thanked the Prime Minister on his consideration and understanding that the Holy Week for the Orthodox Church is a special event for all Orthodox Christians.

Mr. Makarios has remained in constant communication with the Federal and State Authorities of the country from the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, a statement released by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia reveals.

The announcement by the Prime Minister followed the Archbishop’s concerns regarding the broadcasts of the ceremonies via the internet. “I do not want them to see from the broadcasts that there are more people in the Temple (priest, deacon, right-wing chanter, left-wing chanter, young priest, ministers) and to consider us illegal. I don’t want police officers to come and knock on our doors during the procession”, said His Eminence.

The Minister of Multiculturalism, Mr. Geoff Lee, also sent congratulatory letters to religious leaders in Australia. The minister particularly thanked the Archbishop for his strong leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Orthodox Church being the first Australian church to take steps to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From passion to production: Steven Koutzoumis launches SoundCult studio in Sydney

In the heart of Beverly Hills, a fresh sound is taking shape - and it’s being led by young Greek Australian Steven Koutzoumis who has a vision

Greek immersion in the early years pays off for Year 8 student Mariah Palaktsoglou

Year 8 student Mariah Palaktsoglou won the Hellenic Dreaming High School Short Story Competition held by the Greek Museum of Adelaide Inc.

Faith, family and football: The making of Nectarios Triantis

Growing up in a bustling Greek Australian household in Sydney, footballer Nectarios Triantis was never far from a football - or chaos.

Bella Spasis’ big deal: Live music in Victoria set to thrive

Greek-Victorian bar owner, Isabella (Bella) Spasis, hosted a remarkable event at her venue, ‘The Dog’s Bar’ early on Sunday morning, July 6.

GOCNSW Home for the Aged welcomes Consul General and celebrates its donors

The Greek Orthodox Community Home for the Aged played host to the Consul General of Greece in Sydney and some of its major donors.

You May Also Like

From ‘greeklish’ to ‘engreek’: The new social media slang

The (new) social media slang is a polyphonic, symbolic language, a cryptic way of communication, which is difficult to decode.

Pan Macedonian Association of NSW to commemorate the Battle of Vevi

The Pan Macedonian Association of NSW will be commemorating the Battle of Vevi on Sunday, April 21 at the ANZAC Memorial.

WA Police offer $1 million reward for John Tzellaidis’ unsolved murder

Western Australia police are calling people to come forward with vital information for the murder of John Tzellaidis in 1978, Dampier.