On October 8, 2024, the Greek Diaspora of Australia hosted an official dinner in Sydney to honor Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The event, held at the International Convention Centre and attended by approximately 1,500 guests, featured a musical program that added to the festive atmosphere of the evening.
During the dinner, a special message from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was displayed, praising the significant contributions of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia to Hellenism and its positive impact on Australian society. The event also included a presentation on the newly established Order of the Savior Christ, consisting of Archons of the Ecumenical Throne from the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. Andreas Liveris, Archon of the Great Church of Christ and President of the Order, led the presentation and received blessings from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Earlier in the evening, Archbishop Makarios extended a warm greeting to Patriarch Bartholomew, expressing the deep love and respect of the clergy and faithful of the Holy Archdiocese. He emphasized the importance of Patriarch Bartholomew’s presence at the centenary celebration and acknowledged the historic invitation extended to him by the Australian Government, recognizing his esteemed role as a global religious leader.
Patriarch Bartholomew, touched by the hospitality of the Greek diaspora, thanked them for their warm reception and acknowledged their significant contributions to Australian society. He highlighted the enduring connection between the Greek Diaspora, Orthodoxy, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, making the event a historic moment in the celebration of the centenary of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
He commended the Greek community in Australia for being “numerically numerous and qualitatively prosperous,” noting their contributions to Australian society through Greek–Roman culture and the tradition of Hellenism.
The event was attended by members of the Patriarchal Synod, including Metropolitans Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos and Philotheos of Thessaloniki. Other distinguished guests included Grand Protosyncellus Gregory, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Private Patriarchal Office, Patriarchal Deacon Eulogios, and other esteemed guests.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
