In 2024, the year in which the Holy Archdiocese of Australia will festively celebrate its 100th anniversary since its establishment, the Orthodox people of the fifth continent will have the honour and the blessing of welcoming the Primate of Orthodoxy, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch, an ecclesiastical leader of worldwide prestige and recognition, will be a great and historic event not only for the Orthodox Church and its Christ-loving plenitude, but as a whole for the Nation and society of Australia.
This was agreed during the meeting which was held on Sunday, 2 July 2023, by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Anthony Albanese.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese in Sydney, accompanied by the Greek-Australian Minister for Multiculturalism of New South Wales, Mr. Steve Kamper, and was warmly received and welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who was also joined by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea and His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, and the Chancellor, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Christophoros Krikelis.
During the meeting, which was held in a cordial atmosphere, issues concerning the Greek Community of Australia and the Orthodox Church were discussed, while particular emphasis was placed on the planning of the upcoming visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Due to the historic nature of this visit, it was decided to confer Head of State honours on His All-Holiness upon his arrival in Australia. Furthermore, it was agreed to maintain close State-Church cooperation on all matters of common interest.
