His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia met with members of the Country Fire Service and expressed words of gratitude and encouragement at Adelaide's Airport in South Australia on Saturday, January 4, 2019.
Archbishop Makarios is currently in Adelaide to see the damage caused by the fire at the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Port Adelaide, which took place in December 2019.
When His Eminence landed at the airport, Archbishop Makarios was greeted by the Country Fire Service and gave prayers and blessings to those who are currently fighting to save endangered lives.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has organised a Fire Appeal to help raise much-needed funds for those affected by the devastating wildfires currently sweeping across Australia.
“Kind and empathetic words are not enough. Our fellow Australians need tangible help, having lost everything to the devastation caused by bushfires across the nation. It is time to take action. It is time to turn Christian teaching into mobilized and organised love and charity,” reads the statement from the Archdiocese.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios also released the following statement:
"With great sadness and heartache, we find ourselves in the midst of a fire crisis, which has unfolded in front of our eyes in recent days, here in our blessed Australia. We share the grief of the families and friends who lost their loved ones, including volunteer firefighters, who lost their lives while heroically battling hellfire. Beyond the precious human lives lost, the destruction of thousands of hectares of land, fruit trees, precious vineyards, local businesses, innocent wildlife and thousands of homes, the fires have created serious living problems for many of our fellow humans.
The Holy Archdiocese of Australia hurts deeply with the pain and suffering of all those affected. However, we know well that gentle and sensitive words are not enough. Many of our compatriots need real material help at this time, having lost everything from the disasters caused by fires around the country. So, it’s time for the words to become action. It is time to turn Christian teaching into practical and organized love and charity for our neighbour.
For this reason, on Sunday, January 5th, a collection tray will be circulated in all Greek Orthodox parishes of Australia. All money collected from this fundraiser will reach the people who need it.
Greek Orthodox Fire Appeal
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
BSB:082-057
ACCOUNT:616958567
Or donate via the various websites of our Archdiocese, parishes, and charities."
