His Grace Bishop Bartholomew at the 35th Year Anniversary of the Opening of Australian Parliament House

With the Blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, the Archiepiscopal Vicar of Canberra attended upon invitation the Great Hall of Australian Parliament in Canberra to celebrate the 35th Year Anniversary of the Opening of Australian Parliament House.

His Grace was accompanied by Very Reverend Petros Kipouros, Parish Priest of the Parish and Community of St Nicholas Canberra.  Bishop Bartholomew was invited to offer a prayer to the Lord of thanks for the past 35 years and praying for a fruitful future for Australian Parliament.

The prayer was recited in the English language however His Grace also offered the prayer in the Greek language, in honour of the Motherland of Greece.  Other than His Grace prayers were offered by representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, the Uniting Church, Islam and Judaism.

The morning commenced with speeches from the President of the Senate in the Australian Parliament, the Honourable Sue Lines, the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, the Honourable Milton Dick and senior figures of the Aboriginal Community.

Local school children sung some songs and as a commemorative cake was cut while ‘Happy Birthday’ was sung. This significant event was attended by the parliamentarians of the Australian Parliament and the Diplomatic corps.

It should be noted that the Governor General of Australia His Excellency David Hurley and the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP were absent, being in England attending the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III last Saturday.

Following proceedings His Grace Bishop Bartholomew conveyed the best wishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate in the Australian Parliament.