The Ambassador of Greece to Australia visited the Holy Archdiocese of Australia

The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Mr George Papakostas came from Canberra for the very purpose of paying an official visit to the central offices of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia in Sydney on Saturday, 19 February.

Mr Papakostas was welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who guided him around the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos and informed him about the progress of the restoration works of this historic and heritage-listed Church building after the extensive damage that ensued from the devastating fire.

His Eminence and the Greek Ambassador then had a cordial discussion, focusing on issues that concern the Greek community in Australia and areas of cooperation between the diplomatic authorities of Greece and the local Greek Orthodox Church. Furthermore, Mr Papakostas had the opportunity of looking at the architectural plans of the new facilities of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the new Theological College.

Also in attendance at the meeting were the Assistant Bishops, His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, His Grace Christodoulos of Magnesia and His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, the Head of the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs of Greece in Australia, Ms. Katia Gikiza, as well as the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Christos Karras.

Finally, the Ambassador of Greece visited the archbishopric residence, where the Archbishop gave a meal in his honour.