The Hon. Alex Hawke MP, Australian Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs issued a message to all Australians of the Christian Orthodox faith who are celebrating their Easter this week, one week after Catholic Easter.
Hawke is best known internationally as the Minister who booted tennis star Novak Djokovic out of Australia in the lead up to the Australian Open, following a controversy surrounding his visa application and vaccine stance.
In his Easter message the Minister thanks 'the many Orthodox communities in Australia for the ways in which you have sought to build and maintain unity throughout these difficult times, and for providing a continuous source of hope and guidance for many within our community.'
Minister Hawke's full message for Orthodox Easter:
My warmest greetings for a happy and blessed Easter to all Australians celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the Orthodox tradition.
Orthodox Easter is an important time for reflection and faith renewal. It is an opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, to reflect on messages of forgiveness and eternal love that Easter conveys, and to give thanks for family and all of our blessings.
At a time where the world faces significant challenges to peace and prosperity, where so many have experienced separation and loss, celebrations like these are a time of hope, renewal, and a chance to look to the future with a sense of optimism.
I would like to thank the many Orthodox communities in Australia for the ways in which you have sought to build and maintain unity throughout these difficult times, and for providing a continuous source of hope and guidance for many within our community.
Australia’s strong social cohesion and the unity it creates, has made us the successful multicultural society that we are today. As you take the time to reconnect and deepen your connection with one another and your faith, may we commit to ensuring that peace and prosperity continue to strengthen our community well into the future.
I wish you all a safe and blessed Easter.
Christós Anésti
ALEX HAWKE
