As part of his landmark visit to Australia, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew honoured St. Basil’s Aged Care Randwick with a special visit, highlighting the facility's significant role within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA). This visit occurred during the Patriarch’s “once-in-a-generation” tour, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia. It was a unique and spiritual experience for residents and staff to welcome one of the most revered religious figures in the Orthodox Christian world.
St. Basil’s Randwick was specially selected for its importance as the largest Greek aged care provider in Sydney and a cornerstone institution under the GOAA. His All-Holiness visit underscored the organization’s exceptional contributions to the Greek-Australian community, where culturally tailored care and support have been a hallmark of its mission.
During the visit, the Patriarch led a brief liturgy at the Chapel of Saint Paisios, before attending an intimate dinner with key figures, including His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, Metropolitan Kyrillos, Metropolitan Filotheos, and Greece’s Consul General in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis. A plaque was unveiled to commemorate this momentous occasion, and an olive tree was presented—symbolizing peace and the enduring legacy of the Patriarch’s visit to St. Basil’s and the broader community.
James Jordan, Chairman of St. Basil’s NSW/ACT, expressed the deep honour felt by the entire institution: “We were truly blessed to have His All-Holiness visit our residents, offering his paternal love and spiritual guidance. For many, meeting such a beloved figure was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
St. Basil’s Aged Care Randwick is renowned for its dedication to providing high-quality, culturally specific care to the Greek community. It offers various services, from day centres and independent living to comprehensive aged care. As Sydney’s only provider delivering 100% Greek services, it remains a beacon of excellence, emphasizing compassion, respect, and cultural connection.
This visit by His All-Holiness was a powerful reminder of St. Basil’s ongoing commitment to its community and a celebration of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s century-long mission in Australia.
VIDEO Hightlites of the visit
St. Basil's is a leading aged care provider affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. It offers various aged care services tailored to meet the Greek community's cultural, spiritual, and social needs. The organization provides services such as residential aged care, independent living, and day centres, strongly emphasising delivering care that aligns with Greek traditions and values.
St. Basil’s is particularly known for its commitment to providing 100% Greek services in Sydney, ensuring that elderly members of the Greek-Australian community can live in an environment honouring their cultural background. With facilities across various states, including New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, St. Basil’s fosters a community of love, respect, and cultural connection while offering premium care to the elderly.
*All Images Copyright Nick Bourdaniotis for Greek City Times
