On Wednesday 9th October, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in Sydney, where he was warmly received by the staff, headed by the Consul General, Mr Yannis Mallikourtis.
In honour of His All-Holiness, Mr Mallikourtis hosted a luncheon attended by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and the God-loving Bishops of the Holy Archdiocese, as well as members of the Patriarchal entourage: Their Eminences, Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imvros and Tenedos, and Metropolitan Filotheos of Thessaloniki, the Very Reverend Grand Protosyncellus Archimandrite Gregory, and the Grand Ecclesiarch Archimandrite Aetios, Director of the Patriarchal Private Office, the Reverend Patriarchal Deacon Evlogios, Codifier of the Holy and Sacred Synod, the Righteous Nun Iakovi, Abbess of the Holy Monastery of St John the Baptist in Akritochori, the Honourable Archon Teacher of the Nation Mr Konstantinos Delikostantis, Director of the First Patriarchal Office, and the Honourable Archon Teacher of the Church Mr Theodoros Yiangou, Professor of Canon Law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the Honourable Mr Nicholas-George Papachristou, Director of the Patriarchal Press and Communication Office, and the Honourable Mr Themistocles Karanikolas, from the Patriarchal staff.
His All-Holiness addressed the host, the Consul General, with heartfelt words, expressing his sincere gratitude for the excellent cooperation between the Consulate and the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, as well as for all the support provided to facilitate his visit to the fifth continent. He asked Mr Mallikourtis to convey his thanks to the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, for the crucial contribution of the Greek Government and its close collaboration with both the state and ecclesiastical authorities in Australia, which ensured the smooth execution of his visit.
Moreover, after praising the dedication of the members of the Greek Diaspora in Australia to their Hellenic identity and the tradition of Romiosini, highlighting the essential role played by the Holy Archdiocese of Australia in this regard, he also commended the contributions of the consular authorities of Greece. “The Hellenic State, through its consular authorities here, assists in this effort to preserve the bond of faith, tradition, memory, and common heritage. Our expatriate brothers feel closer to the Motherland in this way, and the pain of exile becomes somewhat sweeter,” he remarked, among other things.
In conclusion, the Ecumenical Patriarch fondly remembered the late Ambassador Stylianos Mallikourtis, father of the Consul General, who had served with distinction in Constantinople, leaving behind cherished memories among the local Greek community and the Mother Church: “Your successful diplomatic career, your gracious personality, your self-sacrificial spirit for others, your dedication to the ideals of the Nation, your respect for our Orthodox faith, and your multifaceted character bring to mind the remarkable personality of your late father, Ambassador Stylianos Mallikourtis, one of the best diplomats, who served in Constantinople decades ago, working closely and excellently with the Sacred Centre in the Phanar and many distinguished hierarchs, including the late Elder Metropolitan Meliton of Chalcedon. We are certain that at this moment, the soul of your blessed father rejoices and is undoubtedly proud of your progress and achievements.”
Before his departure, the Ecumenical Patriarch invited Mr Mallikourtis to the Phanar, to reciprocate the warm hospitality extended to him and his entourage, and wished him the abundant grace and enlightenment of the Holy Spirit in his demanding and highly responsible duties.”
