2024 is looking to be a special year for Hellenism in Australia as we are expecting visits from very high-profile individuals, including the Ecumenical Patriarch Mr Bartholomew and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who may be joined by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
This is in addition to SYRIZA leader Stefanos Kasselakis, who has already revealed he will come to Australia in the beginning of the new year.
According to the official announcements of the Australian Archdiocese, Mr Bartholomew will visit the country in 2024 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Australian Archdiocese, which is expected to take place in October.
This will be the Ecumenical Patriarch’s second visit to Australia while in this role, having come other times as a Bishop since his brother lives in Melbourne.
He was welcomed in 1994 by the Orthodox Christians on an historic visit that is etched in the memory of many Greek Australians, particularly those who were able to participate in the grand in his honour which took place at every point he passed.
In Melbourne, however, there were also demonstrations at the time since the ecclesiastical division was then at its peak.
2024 is looking to witness over visits from high-ranking officials from Greece.
As announced by the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Mr George Papakostas, “During 2024, important personalities from Greece will come to Australia”.
The Greek ambassador said that the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou, is thinking of coming as well next year but he did not say anything definitive or specific.
Sources from “Νέα Δημοκρατία” or “New Democracy” have also told Neos Kosmos that the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, also plans to visit Australia in 2024.
