On Monday, July 3, a statement released by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia announced the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Australia in 2024. He will come from the seat of Orthodoxy, Constantinople (Istanbul).
The statement said that “the Holy Archdiocese of Australia will festively celebrate its 100th anniversary since its establishment” and “will have the honour” of welcoming the Primate of Orthodoxy, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.”
On Sunday, July 3, Archbishop Makarios of Australia met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper – himself a Greek-Australian – to discuss the visit.
During the meeting, it was decided to bestow state honors on the visiting cleric, as the head of Christian Orthodoxy.
Albanese and Kamper met Makarios at the Church’s Australian headquarters, the Archdiocese of Sydney. Also present at the meeting were Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea, Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, and the Chancellor, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Christophoros Krikelis.
At the meeting, the “historical significance of Bartholomew’s visit” was acknowledged, and it was determined that he would be “received with state honors.”
According to the church statement, the visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch “holds great significance, not only for the Orthodox Church and its devoted followers but also for the wider Australian society.”
It added that festivities are planned, as the “esteemed spiritual leader will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, further strengthening the bond between the Greek community, the Orthodox Church,” and Australia.
