It takes a special person to devote their life to the plight of others, particularly when it’s some 16,000 kilometres away from home and in the midst of an Ebola outbreak.
That’s exactly what Father Themis Adamopoulos has chosen to do time and time again.
Currently in Australia to raise funds for the Orthodox Mission in Sierra Leone, he will be presenting a special lecture at Melbourne’s Greek Centre as part of its Greek history and culture seminar series.
Father Themis is considered to be a man who has lived almost two different lives.
In his youth, the Orthodox priest was a self-identifying atheist, Marxist and nothing short of a rock star, having performed on the same stages as the Rolling Stones.
Despite the many contrasts listed to his current vocation, above all he always advocated for social justice and protested for the rights of the underdog.
Today his goal continues to be to provide for the have-nots, giving those with very little a chance for a brighter future by providing education and food.
As head of the mission, Father Themis will report on his experiences, having lived through apocalyptic scenes following what was the worst outbreak of the virus in the history of mankind. He will also discuss the efforts taking place in the West African region to contain the disease.
Father Themis will present his lecture on Monday 5 October at 7.00 pm at the Greek Centre, Lonsdale Street. Attendance is free of charge.