On Saturday night federal and state Labor representatives stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the faithful at Greek Orthodox masses across Australia – in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide, in other cities and towns.

The ancient tradition means that the blessed light makes its way from the Patriarch in Istanbul/Constantinople over thirteen thousand kilometres away to our shores.

Anthony Albanese the leader of the opposition sent Neos Kosmos his Easter greeting to all Greek Australians from isolation as he recovers from COVID-19.

“On behalf of the Australian Labor Party, I wish the Greek community a happy and Holy Orthodox Easter.

“Today we celebrate the Resurrection– where the Cross becomes a symbol of hope. This year, that feeling of hope touches us all as we begin to emerge from the pandemic and look towards a better future.

“I send my best wishes to the Greek Community and hope that you can finally gather safely with your family and in your Churches as we mark the Resurrection this weekend.”

Renewal and rebirth are in the forefront of all our minds, as 2022 marks the first time many Greek Australians could safely attend church again, as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The soft glow of candles bathed the parishioners as they sang “Χριστός Aνέστη”, Christ has Risen, with Labor members joining in chorus.

Linda Burney MP, the Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, represented Mr Albanese at Kogarah with Steve Kamper and Nick Katris.

Ms Burnley talking to Neos Kosmos said it was “truly wonderful to attend mass on Saturday evening in Kogarah.”

“It is one my great joys as a member of parliament to represent such a vibrant and diverse community, and that was in full display over Orthodox Easter.

“Our country and our community are so much better for the diversity we share.”

Tony Burke the shadow minister for industrial relations, was emotional when responding to Neos Kosmos. He attended mass at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Belmore, Sydney with Zhi Soon Labor candidate for Banks.

Reflecting on the last Orthodox Easter, Mr Burke said that “During lockdown for Greek Easter I sat on my verandah with a red candle at midnight.

“It meant the world to me to be back with everyone at Belmore.

“It’s one of the happiest and most welcoming nights of the year.

“I was heartened to be joined by Zhi Soon, Labor’s candidate for Banks.

“Having a candidate whose family migrated from Malaysia to attend a Greek Orthodox midnight mass represents beautifully the diversity of our community.”

Mark Dreyfus QC, the shadow attorney general thanked “Father Adamakis for inviting Carina Garland, Labor’s candidate for Chisholm” to mass at Sts Anargiri in Oakleigh, along with local Victorian member of parliament Steve Dimopolous.

“Thank you, Father Adamakis for inviting Carina Garland, Labor’s candidate for Chisholm I to join your congregation for the celebration of Easter at Sts Anargiri Greek Orthodox Church in Oakleigh.

It was a deeply moving and very special night.”

Terri Butler the shadow minister for environment and water, attended St George Greek Orthodox Church in South Brisbane.

Terri Butler, Shadow Minister for Environment and Water, attended St George Greek Orthodox Church in South Brisbane. Photo: Supplied

Steve Georganas the member for Adelaide attended mass at St George Greek Orthodox Church, Thebarton.

While at the Greek Monastery in Northcote Andrew Giles the shadow minister for multiculturalism, joined his colleagues Ged Kearney and Maria Vamvakinou for the most important mass in the Greek Orthodox calendar.

Andrew Giles Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Ged Kearney and Maria Vamvakinou at Northcote Greek Monastery. Photo: Supplied

“I was honoured to join my Labor Party colleagues across the country on Saturday evening as we joined the Greek community in celebrating the Resurrection.

“It’s a testament to the long-standing relationship between Greek Australians and the Australian Labor Party,” Ms Vamvakinou said to Neos Kosmos.

Mark Dreyfus QC, Shadow Attorney General and Carina Garland Labor candidate for Chisholm, St Anargiri in Oakleigh with Steve Dimopolous MP. Photo: Supplied

Easter was meaningful for many Greek Australians. It marked the end of two years of pandemic restrictions and brought families together. Labor representatives were there to share the occasion with the community.