Archbishop Makarios Name Day Celebrated in Sydney, Australia, 2026

The Archbishop Makarios Name Day was observed on January 19, 2026, with a formal dinner in Sydney, drawing prominent figures from government, diplomacy, and the religious community.

Hosted at the Le Montage reception hall, the event highlighted the contributions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and fostered interfaith and cultural ties. This celebration aligns with the Orthodox tradition of honouring saints' days, coinciding with the feast of Saint Makarios the Great.

Archbishop Makarios Name Day Notable Attendees at the Event

Archbishop Makarios Name Day attendees included New South Wales Governor Margaret Beazley, Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher, and Greek Ambassador Stavros Venizelos. Political representatives such as State Minister Sophie Cotsis, standing in for Premier Chris Minns, joined alongside the Cypriot High Commissioner Antonis Sammoutis and Florina Mayor Vasilios Giannakis.

Ecclesiastical leaders featured Metropolitans Seraphim of Sebasteia, Myron of New Zealand, Iakovos of Ireland, and Eirinaios of Florina, Prespai, and Eordaia, as well as Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar. Additionally, clergy, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and representatives from local parishes and organizations participated, reflecting the event's broad appeal.

The gathering underscored the Greek Orthodox community's role in Australia, where approximately 375,000 individuals identify as Greek Orthodox, comprising about 1.5% of the population as per 2021 census data. Moreover, over 424,000 Australians report Greek ancestry, highlighting the diaspora's enduring presence.

Archbishop's Address and Key Messages

Archbishop Makarios expressed heartfelt thanks to all present, particularly acknowledging Governor Beazley's longstanding support for the Archdiocese and the Greek community's welfare in New South Wales. He also commended her involvement in the 2024 centenary celebrations, which included a visit by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Addressing Archbishop Fisher, Makarios emphasized a relationship built on mutual respect, dialogue, and collaboration for societal progress, stating it confirms "bonds of unity, good will and Christian brotherhood."

Furthermore, the Archbishop reviewed recent achievements and outlined ongoing initiatives, such as the renovation of the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Sydney. He noted that all event proceeds would fund the cathedral's iconography and that he would decline personal gifts. Special mention was given to St Andrew's Theological College, with upcoming facility renovations, high student enrolment, and an enriched curriculum. "We give enormous importance to theological education," he stated, "and we are not willing to make compromises."

Awards, Proceeds, and Cultural Highlights

The event featured a cultural program with traditional songs and hymns performed by the Australian Byzantine Choir. Earlier that day, a solemn Divine Liturgy at the cathedral involved co-celebrations by multiple hierarchs, followed by a reception where the archbishop urged unity and support for preserving faith and heritage.

Honours list:

To honour their contributions to the community, Archbishop Makarios presented the Medal of the Order of the Christ-loving to 27 individuals, including James Athanasou, Harry Grafanakis, Theo Dalianis, Kosmas Dimitriou, Kalle Englezos, Viola Kalokerinos, Anna Kasapis, Maritsa Kelly, Anastasia Kokkinos, Ourania Kontoleontos, Dimitrios Liliopoulos, George Mavris, Michael Moschos, Theo Boutsikakis, Konstantinos Nicolaou, Sofia Ouzounoglou, George Panagis, Emilio Papastamatis, Emmanuel Roussakis, Christina Scalone, Ourania Sotiropoulos, Kandya Tagalakis, George Ioannis Taifalos, Andrew Tanos, John Tsingos, Anthony Hatziargyris, and Anastasia Chiras.