Archbishop of Australia Arrives in Cuba to Mark 20th Anniversary of Saint Nicholas Church Consecration

On the evening of Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Archbishop Makarios of Australia arrived in Cuba to represent Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Mother Church of Constantinople at the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the consecration of the Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas in Havana. The church was consecrated in 2004, with the building generously handed over to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew by the then-leader of Cuba, Fidel Castro.

Upon arrival at Havana’s José Martí International Airport, Archbishop Makarios was warmly welcomed by the local shepherd, His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico, along with Bishop Athenagoras of Myrina. The delegation also included Ms. Leira Sánchez Valdivia, the Cuban Government’s representative, His Excellency Mr. Theodoros Tsakiris, Greece’s Ambassador to Cuba, as well as other officials from the State Protocol and Airport Directorate.

A brief but cordial conversation took place in the airport’s reception hall, during which Archbishop Makarios reflected on the historic visit of the Primate of Orthodoxy to Cuba in 2004, following an official invitation from Fidel Castro. He also conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Mother Church and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the consistent care and support the Cuban Government has shown towards the Orthodox community in Cuba.