On Saturday, 1 July 2023, in Sydney, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the annual Fundraising Dinner in support of the Food Initiative of the Parish-Community of the Resurrection of Christ, Panagia Myrtidiotissa and Saint Elesa, Kogarah, successfully took place.
The Saint Elesa Food Initiative was founded in September 2020, with the encouragement and blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. This is a charitable initiative, which is implemented by the Philoptochos of the Parish – Community of Kogarah, with the aim of supporting hundreds of our fellow human beings who are in need. Today, more than 400 home-cooked meals are offered on a weekly basis, as well as other basic necessities, through the Saint Elesa Food Initiative.
With his presence at the Fundraiser Dinner, which was hosted at a function centre in the Sydney suburb of Brighton Le Sands, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia warmly thanked and congratulated the ladies Philoptochos and all the volunteers and supporters of the wonderful work carried out in the context of the said initiative. In addition, His Eminence urged everyone to continue with the same holy zeal to help our fellow human beings in need, without discrimination and exclusion, in accordance with the requirements of the Holy Gospel. During his address, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios offered a motto to all those who were present: “Give bread to receive the Kingdom of God. Give a little to receive a lot. Give that which is perishable to receive that which is imperishable.”
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia was also joined at the event by Their Graces, Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea, Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, as well as the Chancellor of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Christophoros Krikelis. Present from the Parish – Community of Kogarah, among others, were the Parish Dean, His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, and the President Mr. Nickolas Varvaris
Due to the overwhelming and moving participation of the local Greek Community, the Fundraising Dinner raised an amount of $106,000.00, which will contribute to the seamless implementation and expansion of the Saint Elesa Food Initiative.
