St. Basil’s Aged Care Randwick welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Thursday evening, as part of his historic visit to Australia. The visit, which took place during the Patriarch’s ‘once in a generation’ tour celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia, offered residents and staff a unique opportunity to meet a revered spiritual leader.
St. Basil’s Randwick was specially chosen as a highlight on his itinerary, recognising its significance as one of the most important institutions under the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and the largest Greek aged care provider in Sydney.
During the visit, the Patriarch participated in a short liturgy at the Chapel of Saint Paisios and attended a special dinner, joined by Archbishop Makarios, Metropolitan Kyrillos, Metropolitan Filotheos, and the Consul General of Greece, Ioannis Mallikourtis. In honour of the occasion, a plaque was unveiled, and an olive tree was presented, symbolising the lasting impact of his visit on St. Basil’s and the wider community.
James Jordan, Chairman of St. Basil’s NSW/ACT, expressed the profound significance of the Patriarch’s visit: “We were deeply honored that His All Holiness made time to visit our residents, blessing them and the institution with his paternal love. For many of our residents, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a beloved spiritual figure.”
St. Basil’s Randwick is renowned for its commitment to providing culturally tailored care to the Greek community, offering a wide range of services, including day centers, independent living, and full aged care. It remains the only provider in Sydney offering 100 per cent Greek services, emphasizing premium care in line with traditional values.
This visit reflects St. Basil’s dedication to fostering a community of love, respect, and cultural connection, while celebrating the enduring values that have guided the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia for a century.
