The new Archbishop of Australia, Makarios, has been visiting Melbourne for the first time since the takeover of his duties.
He arrived at Melbourne airport last Saturday at 11 am where he was greeted by the Assistant Bishops Ezekiel and Iakovos, the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Mr Dimitrios Michalopoulos, representatives of Organizations and of the Greek Colleges St John’s and Oakleigh Grammar, children in traditional costumes and a small crowd of believers.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios thanked all for the warm welcome and was then accompanied to Saint Efstathios Cathedral. The red carpet had already been laid out for him and students dressed in traditional costumes were throwing flowers, while the crowd of believers of all ages that had gathered there were chanting “Axios! Axios!” when His Eminence appeared.
Inside the crowded church, the official welcome and holy liturgy took place in the presence of the Bishop of the Romanian Church Michael and the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Mr Dimitrios Michalopoulos.
Archbishop Makarios, appearing really touched by the warm welcome, thanked everybody, sent a message of love and solidarity and praised the presence of the Greek community in Melbourne.
During his visit to Melbourne, Archbishop Makarios will meet with the Governor General of Victoria Mrs Linda Dessau, the Premier of Victoria Mr Daniel Andrews, the Leader of the Opposition Mr Michael O’Brien, the Consul General Mr Michalopoulos, the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne and Victoria Mr Peter Andrew Comensoli, representatives of Greek community Organizations and other political and religious leaders.
Today, Wednesday, His Eminence will visit the Hellenic Museum of Melbourne and the Greek Media Group offices – 3XY Radio Hellas and “TA NEA” newspaper – where he will give an interview to be published in next week’s edition of “TA NEA”.
He will also visit St John’s College, Alphington Grammar and Oakleigh Grammar and on Tuesday, 13 August he will meet with the youth of Saint Efstathios, South Melbourne.
