Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in Sydney on Wednesday, October 9th. Consul General Ioannis Mallikourtis and his team warmly welcomed His Holiness during this significant visit.
In honour of His All-Holiness, Mr Mallikourtis hosted a luncheon attended by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and the Bishops of the Holy Archdiocese, as well as members of the Patriarchal Entourage: Their Eminences Metropolitans Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, and Philotheos of Thessaloniki, the Very Reverend Archprotopsyncellos Gregory, the Very Reverend Archdeacon Aetios, Director of the Private Patriarchal Office, the Reverend Patriarchal Deacon Evlogios, Codicologist of the Holy and Sacred Synod, the Venerable Nun Jacob, Abbess of the Holy Monastery of the Holy Forerunner at Akritochorio, the Honorable Archon Didaskalos of the Nation, Mr. Konstantinos Delikostantakis, Director of the First Patriarchal Office, the Honorable Archon Didaskalos of the Church, Mr. Theodoros Giagkos, Professor at the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Honorable Mr. Nikolaos-Georgios.
During his speech, Patriarch Bartholomew expressed gratitude to Consul General Mallikourtis for the exceptional collaboration between the Consulate and the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. He requested the Consul General convey his thanks to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for Greece's support in facilitating the visit.
Patriarch Bartholomew praised the strong connection of the Australian Greek Diaspora to their heritage and acknowledged the critical role played by both the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the Greek consular authorities in preserving Greek traditions and faith. "The assistance of the Greek State and its consular authorities helps nurture the bonds of faith, tradition, memory, and shared heritage, easing the emotional toll of emigration," he remarked.
Before concluding his visit, Patriarch Bartholomew invited Consul General Mallikourtis to the Phanar. Reciprocating the generous hospitality, he wished the Consul General continued guidance and strength in his important role.
This visit underscores the strong ties between Greece and its diaspora in Australia and reinforces the vital role of collaboration in preserving cultural and religious heritage.
Images Copyright Nick Bourdaniotis for Greek City Times