The Prime Minister of Australia makes official statement regarding the visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Australia

The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Anthony Albanese, will participate in events in honour of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, during His upcoming visit to Sydney and Melbourne.

In a related statement, Mr. Albanese welcomes the imminent visit of His All-Holiness to Australia, while also referring to the centenary anniversary of the establishment of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Australia in October 2024.

This year marks 100 years since the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

His All-Holiness will spend two weeks in Australia, meeting with Greek Australian and diaspora communities, Orthodox parishioners, political and interfaith leaders, and community groups.

Prime Minister Albanese will host His All-Holiness as a Guest of Government on 5 and 13 October.

They will attend events together in Sydney and Melbourne that celebrate the milestone.

Australia is home to a significant Greek Orthodox community, with a population of over 400,000 people across the nation.

This will be His All-Holiness’ second visit to Australia as Ecumenical Patriarch— it has been 28 years since his last visit in 1996.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was looking forward to welcoming His All-Holiness to Australia.

“Australian society is enriched by our diversity—it is one of our greatest attributes,” the Prime Minister said.

“The Greek Australian community is a vibrant part of Australia’s identity, involved in business, public service, politics, the arts and sport.”

“It is a joy to celebrate the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and the contributions of the Greek community to our nation.”