On Saturday, October 12, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew completed the initial phase of his Apostolic visit to Australia by departing from Sydney and heading to Melbourne, the capital of Victoria.
Upon his arrival in Melbourne, his first stop was at the Parish-Community of Saints Archangels in the suburb of Mentone. He received a warm welcome from numerous parishioners, led by their Hierarchical Head, Fr. Panagiotis Zoumpoulis. Also in attendance were Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, as well as the Consuls General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, and in Adelaide, Alexandra Theodoropoulou.
The presence of fellow countrymen was significant, with many expatriates from Imbros residing in the Mentone area. The Ecumenical Patriarch’s brother, Nikolaos Archontonis, was also present.
Overwhelmed with emotion, the Ecumenical Patriarch greeted and blessed the faithful who had gathered to welcome him. He commended the young children of the Parish-Community for performing traditional Greek dances in his honor.
In his remarks, following the welcoming speech by the Hierarchical Head, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his gratitude for the progress made by the Holy Archdiocese of Australia since his last visit. He praised Archbishop Makarios of Australia for his dynamic leadership and achievements within the Eparchy of the Ecumenical Throne.
The Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized the importance of unity among clergy and laity for the Church’s growth and progress. He conveyed his love and pride for the Orthodox faithful of Australia and thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for providing transportation for his journey.
He highlighted the significance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as the guardian of Orthodox faith and canonical order, and thanked Prime Minister Albanese for demonstrating respect and appreciation for the institution. The gesture also reflected the Prime Minister’s friendship with Archbishop Makarios.
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed gratitude for the gestures of respect and appreciation shown by political and state leaders in Sydney, including the Governor General of Australia and the Governor of New South Wales.
During his visit to the Parish-Community of Saints Archangels in Mentone, the Ecumenical Patriarch was accompanied by Archbishop Makarios, local Church Bishops, and members of his Patriarchal entourage.
The entourage was composed of Metropolitans Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, Philotheos of Thessaloniki, Grand Protosyncellus Gregory, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Private Patriarchal Office, Patriarchal Deacon Eulogios, Nun Iakovi, Abbess of the Holy Monastery of the Honorable Forerunner of Akritochori, Archon Teacher of the Nation Konstantinos Delikostantis, Director of the First Patriarchal Office, Archon Teacher of the Church Theodoros Giagkou, Professor of the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and Nikolaos-Georgios Papachristou, Director of the Patriarchal Press and Communication Office.
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