Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Parliament of New South Wales on Wednesday, October 9th, accompanied by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, the Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Patriarchal Private Office, and Archdeacon Athenagoras of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
They were welcomed by State Premier Mr. Chris Minns, who led them to the Premier’s Office for a warm and fruitful discussion. Also present were Ministers Steve Kamper, Courtney Houssos, and Sophie Cotsis.
During the meeting, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed gratitude to the Premier for attending the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy and praised the cooperation between his government and the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. In response, Mr. Minns commended the Patriarch for his efforts in promoting peace and protecting the environment.
Following the discussions, commemorative gifts were exchanged between the Patriarch and the Premier.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
