On Wednesday, October 16, the Hellenic Museum of Melbourne had the distinct honor of welcoming Patriarch Bartholomew, the foremost spiritual leader of Orthodoxy, in a visit that marked a significant moment in the cultural and religious life of the region.
Accompanied by a group of distinguished hierarchs and officials, the Patriarch attended a luncheon held in his honor, celebrating Greek cultural heritage and Orthodoxy. His delegation included prominent religious leaders such as Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Metropolitan Cyril of Imbros and Tenedos, Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, Metropolitan Ezekiel of Derbent, Metropolitan Seraphim of Sebastia, Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Bishop Eumenios of Chora, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, Bishop Jacob of Milopotamos, and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia.
Also in attendance was the General Consul of Greece in Melbourne, Mr. Emmanouil Kakavelakis, alongside many notable personalities, supporters, and friends of the Hellenic Museum. Their presence fostered a spirit of community and unity, creating a supportive atmosphere for achieving future goals and initiatives.
The Hellenic Museum of Melbourne, dedicated to promoting and preserving Greek heritage, served as the ideal setting for this significant gathering. Patriarch Bartholomew had the opportunity to tour the museum’s halls, admire the exhibits that are monuments of Greek history and art, and meet distinguished members of Melbourne’s Greek community.
This visit extended beyond religious duties. The Patriarch engaged in discussions concerning issues affecting the Greek community in Australia, such as the preservation of language and culture, and the significance of the Orthodox faith in a multicultural world.
Before the commencement of the official luncheon, which the Patriarch blessed, the General Manager of Greek Media Group, Spyros Alatsas, delivered a warm welcome, expressing his joy at the Patriarch’s presence in this remarkable cultural institution.
He emphasized the honor felt by both himself and the community in welcoming the Patriarch to the museum, which is housed in a historic building—the former Royal Mint of Australia. Mr. Alatsas highlighted the museum’s importance as a “gem” of the proud Greek community in Australia, noting that the community’s contributions to the country are invaluable.
Continuing, he stated that the museum’s goal is to promote Greek history, culture, and religion, not just within the Greek community but also to the broader multicultural society of Australia. The museum’s desire to strengthen ties with other cultures and showcase the values of Hellenism to all Australian residents was central to his message.
Mr. Alatsas also mentioned the Most Reverend Archbishop Makarios of Australia, emphasizing the revitalization he has brought to the Orthodox community since his arrival in Australia.
To conclude, Mr. Alatsas invited the president of the Hellenic Museum, Mr. Charis Stamoulis, to say a few words, underscoring the importance of cooperation and solidarity within the community.
Subsequently, Mr. Stamoulis warmly welcomed everyone, expressing his honor at hosting the Patriarch in a place that embodies his late father Spyridon Stamoulis’s vision.
Initially, Mr. Stamoulis stressed the significance of the visit, noting that it transcends a mere visit; it’s a historic moment that will remain engraved in the hearts of all attendees, particularly the Stamoulis family, which has actively contributed to the museum’s support.
He continued by recalling the legacy of his late father, Spyridon Stamoulis, and his vision for creating the museum. The Hellenic Museum is not only the only Greek museum in the Southern Hemisphere, but also a cultural beacon that showcases the rich Greek history and the influence of Orthodoxy within the Australian community.
Mr. Stamoulis expressed a desire to foster collaborations and friendly relations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, recognizing its important role in strengthening the faith and cultural heritage of Greeks in the diaspora.
He also praised the exemplary leadership of Archbishop Makarios, thanking him for his work in Australia. To honor the Patriarch, Mr. Stamoulis announced a gift from the museum’s collection to be presented at the event.
In closing, he wished the Patriarch a pleasant and safe stay in Australia, as well as a safe journey back to Istanbul, accompanying his wishes with phrases for many years of good health and happiness. The phrase “Eis polla eti, Panagiotate!” concluded his speech, encapsulating the love and respect the community holds for the Patriarch.
The next speaker was Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who delivered an inspiring address filled with gratitude and references to the significance of Greek culture in the diaspora.
Initially, the Patriarch expressed his deep impression from the tour of the museum’s halls and exhibits, emphasizing that it is a unique cultural institution dedicated to Greek tradition and spirituality. He highlighted that the museum is housed in an emblematic building, the former Royal Mint, and that the choice of Melbourne as its location recognizes the tremendous contribution of the Greek community in the city.
He particularly acknowledged the late Spyridon Stamoulis, whose care and love for Greek heritage led to the museum’s establishment in 2007, in memory of his prematurely departed daughter, Nafsika. The Patriarch spoke with emotion about Stamoulis’s dedication to his homeland, despite the challenges of life in Australia, and expressed his deep gratitude for his contribution to the Greek diaspora.
He noted that the existence of such a museum is not just cultural, but also spiritual, as it promotes the preservation and cultivation of Greek identity and culture among younger generations. The Patriarch underscored the importance of the museum’s activities, which extend beyond the permanent exhibition of artifacts to encompass multi-dimensional cultural initiatives.
Additionally, he referenced the ancient saying by Heraclitus, “everything flows,” indicating that the museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, preserving precious moments of Greek history. With the aim of showcasing the rich cultural heritage, the Hellenic Museum of Melbourne acts as a focal point for the community and ensures the dissemination of the values and spirit of Hellenism.
The Patriarch expressed his satisfaction with the organized and dedicated work of the museum’s staff, particularly the Director, Ms. Sarah Craig, and the Board of Directors, noting the continuation of Spyridon Stamoulis’s vision.
In conclusion, the Patriarch extended heartfelt thanks to the museum’s administration and staff, declaring his pride in the wealth of Greek cultural heritage in Melbourne. He emphasized that the diaspora has every reason to feel proud of the existence of this cultural jewel, the Hellenic Museum of Melbourne, and bestowed his paternal blessing on all attendees.
The visit and address of Patriarch Bartholomew constituted a celebratory and spiritual moment, reinforcing the ties of the Greek community to its cultural heritage and Orthodoxy.
Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit to the Hellenic Museum of Melbourne is expected to have positive implications for the future of the Greek community, inspiring new generations and promoting the advancement of Greek heritage in Australia and beyond.
