During his visit to the Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in Sydney on Wednesday, October 9, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was warmly welcomed by Consul General Ioannis Mallikourtis and his staff. Mallikourtis hosted a luncheon in honor of the Patriarch, which was attended by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Bishops of the Holy Archdiocese, and members of the Patriarchal entourage.
During the luncheon, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his gratitude for the cooperation between the Consulate and the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, as well as for the support provided in organizing his visit. He also asked Mallikourtis to convey his appreciation to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for the Greek Government’s collaboration with state and church authorities in Australia.
The Ecumenical Patriarch praised the Greek diaspora in Australia for their dedication to their Hellenic identity and traditions, highlighting the important role of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the Greek consular authorities in preserving these traditions. He also fondly remembered the late Ambassador Stylianos Mallikourtis, father of Consul General Mallikourtis, for his distinguished diplomatic career and his contribution to the Greek community in Istanbul.
We believe that your blessed father’s soul is rejoicing at this moment and is surely proud of your progress and success. Before his passing, the Ecumenical Patriarch invited Mallikourtis to Phanar as a token of gratitude for the warm hospitality shown to him and his group. He also extended his wishes for abundant grace and enlightenment from the Holy Spirit in Mallikourtis’ challenging and highly responsible service.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
[Include the provided images in the appropriate locations in the WordPress post]
Source link