Bishops Kyriakos of Sozopolis and Bartholomew of Charioupolis meet with Greek Deputy Minister of National Defence

On Sunday 23 October 2022,  His Grace bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis presided over the Divine Liturgy for the feast day of St Iakovos the apostle, at the Archdiocesan Church of Saint Eustathios, Melbourne.

Also present at the Divine Liturgy was His Excellency, Nikolaos Hardalias, Deputy Minister for National Defence for the Hellenic Republic representing the Prime Minister of Greece Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who is currently present in Australia for an official visit.

Mr Hardalias was also joined by the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Mr. Emmanuel Kakavelakis, together with a delegation of members of the Hellenic defence force and ministry, who after the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy had a special meeting with His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis.

Moreover, on Monday, October 24, Mr. Hardalias visited the Australian capital, Canberra, and His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis attended his official reception at the Greek Embassy.

His Grace Bishop Bartholomew conveyed to the Deputy Minister the appreciation and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, while pointing out to him that the Holy Archdiocese of Australia is working steadily, in collaboration with the Greek State, for the promotion of faith, the Greek language and culture in the fifth continent.

For his part, Mr. Hardalias thanked His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis for his presence, while he asked him to convey his respect to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. In addition, he expressed his joy to see that young Bishops are working for the good of the Church in the fifth continent, praising His Eminence Archbishop Makarios for his decision.

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