Swearing-in ceremony of the new Honorary Consul of Greece in Tasmania

With the Blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis the Archiepiscopal Vicar of Canberra, overseeing Tasmania, visited the city of Hobart and was present at the Swearing-in ceremony for the Honorary Consul of Greece in Tasmania, Ms. Ekaterina Skalidis.

His Excellency Mr. Georges Papacostas, the Ambassador of Greece in Australia thanked His Grace Bishop Bartholomew for the opportunity to conduct the ceremony at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy in front of the congregation.

In his brief address His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis emphasised the importance of unity and mutual cooperation between the State of Greece and the Church stating that in particular, here in Australia, we have always worked together for the service of our people.

Following this, on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Bartholomew then congratulated the Honorary Consul on her appointment and wished her many good years of health and prosperity and assured her that both His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and His Grace will indeed prayer for her, while he also assured her that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia will assist her in her crucial role as Honorary Consul.

In reply, the newly appointed Honorary Consul thanked His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and like-wise thanked His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis and stated that her goal is to serve the people of Tasmania.

Finally, Bishop Bartholomew thanked the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, His Excellency Mr. Georges Papacostas for his first ever visit to the island of Tasmania, as well as for the appointment of Ms. Skalidis as Honorary Consul, a significant appointment where the Greeks of Tasmania will be better served. 

His Excellency then thanked His Grace Bishop Bartholomew for his kind words and emphasised the importance of unity and solidarity.