Greek Orthodox Archbishop Makarios of Australia met Victorian Premier Dan Andrews at the Victorian Parliament on Monday and among the topics discussed was a site for a proposed new cathedral for the Greek Orthodox community in Melbourne.
In a statement issued by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia on Wednesday, Archbishop Makarios, who was accompanied by Bishops Kyriakos of Sozopoli and Evmenios of Kerasounta, met with the premier to discuss issues affecting Greek communities in Melbourne, Northcote and the state as a whole.
One of the topics discussed included the finding of a suitable plot of land for the construction of a cathedral for the Greek community in Melbourne.
Also discussed was the further renovation and development of the Axion Esti building in Northcote.
Earlier this month Labor’s shadow minister for multicultural affairs announced that an “Albanese Labor government will contribute $10 million if elected” to the creation of a cultural centre that would “ensure the future” of the monastery and its grounds.
The Archdiocese noted in its statement that the development of Axion Esti was an “ambitious plan of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and His Holiness, which looks forward to the opening of the buildings and spaces that will be designed and the possibility of their use by the Greek community, especially the young.”
Mr Andrews who was accompanied by Victorian MPs Lee Tarlamis and Steve Dimopoulos, expressed an interest in the Church’s plans.
Along with the two bishops who came with Archbishop Makarios, Archdeacon Athenagoras Karakonstantakis and Deacon Ireneos Koikas also attended.