Sydney: The visit of the Evzones to the Parish of the Resurrecrtion of Our Lord, Kogarah

A truly beautiful and historic day was experienced by the members of the Parish of the Resurrection of Our Lord, in Kogarah, Sydney, on Sunday, 4 May 2025. Thousands of faithful, young and old, flocked to the church to experience a moment of profound national and spiritual significance: the visit of the Evzones, from the Presidential Guard of Greece.

The day began with the presence of the Evzones at the Divine Liturgy, presided over by His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia. Also present were Mr. Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul-General of Greece in Sydney, and other dignitaries. The church, both inside and outside, was overflowing with devout and proud Greek Orthodox and members of the wider community, who eagerly participated in this unique occasion.

After the Divine Liturgy, the Evzones led a formal procession to the Lemnos Memorial, where a memorial service was held in honour of the fallen heroes of World War I, the ANZACs. A wreath-laying ceremony followed, in tribute to the sacrifices made and the unbreakable bonds between Greece and Australia.

His Grace Bishop Christodoulos warmly welcomed the Evzones to the Parish of the Resurrection of Our Lord, conveying the paternal blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and expressing the pride and gratitude of the Parish for their presence.

This was more than just a ceremonial visit – it was a profound reconnection of those present with their heritage, their homeland and their shared history. The faithful felt a renewed sense of pride and unity, moved by the dignity and symbolism of the Evzones’ presence. This unforgettable day will go down in history as a landmark for the Parish of the Resurrection of Our Lord in Kogarah, a moment where faith, culture and national pride came together in harmony.

Photographs: MK Creative Photography and Designs, Marianthi Karadoukas