With feelings of joy, emotion and pride, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, welcomed on Monday, 28 April in Sydney, the 14-member delegation of the Presidential Guard of the Hellenic Republic, which is visiting the fifth continent to participate in commemorative events on the occasion of ANZAC Day (April 25).
The reception of the members of the highest honorary regiment of Greece, known as the Evzones, took place at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady. In the presence of the Premier of New South Wales, The Hon. Chris Minns MP, as well as the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr. Ioannis Mallikourtis, an official Doxology was celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, surrounded by Their Graces, Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese.
At the end of the Doxology, addressing the Evzones, the Archbishop emphasised that their presence in Australia “deeply touches the soul of our people.” He pointed out that on the one hand it strengthens the ties of the Greek diaspora with the motherland and on the other hand it recalls the unbreakable bond forged between Greece and Australia, thanks to common struggles and common sacrifices for the ideals of freedom, democracy and the dignity of the human person.
His Eminence also welcomed the presence of the Premier of New South Wales, speaking of it as a strong confirmation that the historical ties between Greece and Australia remain alive and thriving. “You honour both the sacrifices of the past and the responsibilities of the present,” he noted, while thanking Premier Minns for the state government’s support of the celebrations, which will feature the Greek Presidential Guard, as well as for his respect for Greek heritage and for recognising the contribution of the Greek Community to the wider society of New South Wales and Australia.
In conclusion, Archbishop Makarios thanked the Evzones for the effort of the long journey they made, and he asked the Clergy and the People to surround them with the love, respect and honour that befits them, while he expressed his conviction that the events in honour of the men and women of the ANZAC Expeditionary Force, in which the Greek Presidential Guard will take part, will contribute to the renewal of everyone’s dedication “to the high ideals that have shaped our history and will continue to illuminate our future.”
It is noted that warm greetings were also delivered during the reception of the Evzones in Sydney by the State Premier, The Hon. Chris Minns MP, and the Consul-General of Greece in Sydney, Mr. Ioannis Mallikourtis, who, among other things, thanked His Eminence for his decisive contribution to the success of the visit of the Greek Presidential Guard to Australia.
It is recalled that the 14 Evzones arrived in Adelaide on 23 April 2025 and participated in a series of celebratory events for ANZAC Day. Corresponding events of remembrance and honour will be held with their participation in Sydney, until next Sunday, 4 May 2025.
