Archbishop Makarios of Australia: “We have a duty to seek common ground and build bridges”
On Monday, 24 March 2025, The Consulate-General of Greece in Sydney organised an anniversary event dedicated to the Greek regeneration, which was hosted in the New South Wales Parliament House. The event was honoured with the presence, following the kind invitation of the Consul General Mr. Ioannis Mallikourtis, of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. In his greeting, His Eminence warmly congratulated Mr. Mallikourtis and the Greek Government for their wonderful initiative.
His Eminence then emphasised that the National Day of Greece touches not only the hearts of Greeks, but also the soul of every person who loves justice, freedom and human dignity, including the people of Australia who embrace the above universal values.
Addressing the Australian dignitaries attending the event, Archbishop Makarios noted that their presence “is a testament to the enduring friendship between Greece and Australia, nations founded on the values of democracy, justice and multiculturalism.” “Greek independence,” he continued, “is not just a chapter in history. It is a timeless lesson for all nations. We remain committed to upholding these universal values and to striving for a future of harmony and unity in this blessed country we call home.”
Archbishop Makarios also referred to the feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, which coincides with the anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821, and emphasised the decisive role of Faith in the uprising of the Greeks and in the struggle for their freedom.
In conclusion, His Eminence recalled that Greeks achieved the impossible every time they fought united, in contrast to the circumstances where they appeared fragmented and divided. Noting that “we must learn from this,” he implored all those present to be vigilant in ensuring unity both within the Greek Diaspora and in the wider society.
“Each of us here today,” he stressed, “must be an example of the unity that is required for all people in this blessed State of New South Wales. We have a duty to seek common ground, to build bridges between different communities and not allow the wounds carried from abroad to burden the hearts and souls of our people here.”
In addition to the Archbishop of Australia, greetings were delivered by the host of the event, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr. Ioannis Mallikourtis, the Member of Parliament from Greece, Mr. Stavros Keletsis, head of a delegation of members of the Greek Parliament visiting Australia for the celebrations of the Anniversary of 25 March 1821, and The Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP, State Minister for Industrial Relations and Occupational Health & Safety. In addition, video messages were shown by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, and the Premier of the State, The Hon. Chris Minns MP. Present at the event, among others, were Greek Members of Parliament, Messrs. Athanasios Papathanasis, Stephanos Parastatidis and Miltiadis Zamparas.
