On Monday, 25 March, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia received at the Archbishop’s Office, at the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese in Sydney, the Deputy Minister of the Interior of Greece, Mr. Theodoros Livanios, who is currently undertaking an official visit to Australia.
His Eminence first thanked Mr. Livanios for his honourable presence at the celebratory events for the National Anniversary of the Greek Revolution and the feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos. Then, in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, they both discussed issues concerning Hellenism of the fifth continent and the continuous goal of further strengthening its ties with the motherland.
On this occasion, the Archbishop applauded the establishment of the postal vote for the European elections and referendums, as well as the effort to extend this vote to the national elections, an initiative that facilitates the exercise of the right to vote by Greeks abroad. For this reason, His Eminence thanked the Deputy Minister of the Interior and, through his person, the entire Greek Government and the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
In addition, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia informed Mr. Livanios about the work carried out by the Orthodox Church in Australia, about this year’s centenary celebrations and for the upcoming Apostolic Visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the fifth continent.
The meeting concluded with the awarding of the Order of the Christ-loving with a Star to the Deputy Minister of the Interior of Greece. This is the highest honour of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, awarded to the Deputy Minister in recognition of his conscientious service and dedication to the Church and the ideals of the Nation.
Mr. Livanios, during his formal response, warmly thanked the Archbishop of Australia for his cordial welcome and hospitality, as well as for the important work he undertakes for both Hellenism and Orthodoxy in Australia.
The meeting was attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia, His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, His Excellency Mr. Stavros Venizelos, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr. Yannis Mallikourtis, as well as associates of the Deputy Minister of the Interior of Greece.
