Melbourne was bathed in sun today for Patriarch Bartholomew I, the global head of the Eastern Orthodox Church in Australia for the centenary of the Australian Greek Orthodox Church.

The  Constantinopolitan Patriarch led a Divine Liturgy at Margaret Court Arena, from 7.00 am to noon, and later was  honoured by a parade of students at Kia Arena, which was also attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Accompanying the Patriarch were the Archbishop of Australia Makarios, Bishop Evmenios, and a host of bishops and other clergy.

Thousands attended the liturgy led by Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Margaret Court Arena. Photo: Supplied

Ancient melismatic Byzantine chants fill Margaret Court Arena

Margaret Court Arena was filled with melismatic Byzantine chants from clergy and cantors. Thousands of Greek Australians were moved to prayer and took in what was a beautiful spectacle.

Among those in attendance were leaders like Bill Papastergiadis, president of the Greek Community of Melbourne, and Nicholas Pappas, Honorary Secretary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council, who accompanied the Patriarch.

Also present were the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, Stavros Venizelos; the Greek Consul General for Victoria, Emmanuel Kakavelakis; Kat Theophanous MP; Maria Vamvakinou MP; Tony Tsourdalakis, President of the Intercommunities Council of Victoria; and various media representatives. The liturgy was displayed on large screens and broadcast live.

Patriarch Bartholomew I the global head of Eastern Orthodox Church leads the liturgy. Photo: Supplied

After the liturgy, the faithful and guests moved to Kia Arena to witness a parade of hundreds of Greek students. The students came from diverse schools, such as St. John’s Greek Orthodox College, and Oakleigh Orthodox College, and the visiting St. George College from Adelaide.
There was a festive mood as laity and clergy were bathed in bright sunlight – some attendees having been present since 7am to watch the parade decided to not attend the parade.

Some of the dignitaries including, former Cr. Bill Zographos, Ambassador of Greece in Australia, and his souce, Bill Papastergiadis OAM the President of the GCM, Consul General Stavros Venizelos; Emmanuel Kakavelakis and his partner. Photo: Supplied

Under a bright sun, young people paraded in front of Patriarch Bartholomew, Prime Minister Albanese, Archbishop Makarios, Bishop Evmenios, the ambassador and consul general, as well as Australian and state government ministers and politicians. Ambassador Venizelos welcomed the patriarch, the prime minister, and other dignitaries. Archbishop Makarios then spoke, exulting the crowd to cry out “Axios, Axios, Axios” in honour of the Patriarch.

Moving words from the Prime Minister Albanese on faith and Greek Australians

Prime Minister Albanese called it an “honour on behalf of Australia” to welcome the Ecumenical Patriarch as an official guest and “as a head of state to Australia.”

He called Archbishop Makarios a “dear friend” and thanked him for his “friendship” and “leadership of the Orthodox community” in Australia.

Albanese acknowledged the “graces and reverend fathers,” the ambassador and consul general, and members of his federal parliament, including the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, and the Special Envoy on Social Inclusion, Peter Khalil. He also gave a “shout-out to the young people” parading.

Albanese said that while he was not from Melbourne, he was from “a very special place, called Marrickville, the beating heart of the Greek community in Sydney.”

Ambassador of Greece, Stavros Venizelos, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, next to Patriarch Bartholomew I. Photo:Supplied

“Archbishop Makarios says, ‘You may be of Italian origin, but for me, you are a Greek’,” joked the Prime Minister.

He called the Patriarch’s visit to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia a “special milestone and a testament to the energy, strength, and stamina of a community generation after generation.”

Albanese pointed to what he said was a “powerful bond between Greece and Australia” and said that the “Church,” which had a “humble” beginning in Australia, has become an institution that “helped to preserve the culture, language, and traditions of Australia’s Greek community, connecting almost a million people to their heritage.”

“Greek Orthodoxy has brought people together in the spirit of love and compassion.”

“That is a great beating heart of the Christian faith; it has nurtured a sense of belonging, helping people in need, and nourishing the Greek community and our nation.”

“For that, we are grateful, and as we reflect with thanks on the past 100 years, we have so much reason to be hopeful for the coming century,” Albanese said.

Albanese also reflected on the first Orthodox arrivals in the 19th century and “the waves of migrants escaping war-ravaged Europe. Hundreds of thousands of Greek people have made their home here in Australia for generations.”

“You have provided comfort to millions of people; you were one of the first global spiritual leaders to raise awareness about climate change and environmental issues, and you have worked for a peaceful coexistence of all people at this deeply challenging time.” Prime Minister Albanese

“The Greeks were a central part of the story of modern Australia and the great, vibrant multicultural society that we have built together,” the prime minister said.

Albanese closed his address by emphasising the Patriarch’s global pastoral care and influence.

“You have provided comfort to millions of people; you were one of the first global spiritual leaders to raise awareness about climate change and environmental issues, and you have worked for a peaceful coexistence of all people at this deeply challenging time.”

Unity, compassion and critical thinking: Patriarch Bartholomew I’s profound address

Finally, it was the Patriarch’s turn to speak, and he did so eloquently in English.

“We have equally been touched, profoundly, by the magnanimous welcome, warmth, and hospitality that we have received from the Australian Government at all levels,” the Patriarch said.

He said he was “especially honoured that the Prime Minister of Australia” was present to “share in these historically significant centenary celebrations for the life of the Greek Orthodox.”

“We too, on our part, have come from the Sacred See of Humanity and Patriarchate in the Queen of Cities, Constantinople, and bring to all of you the conference, salutations, and blessings of the Mother Church,” said the Patriarch.

He said he was honoured with the tribute played to him by the many young people and said that the faith was secure now and in the future with young people such as those in the parade.

“The Patriarchate, as its name suggests, welcomes all people and cares for all people, irrespective of faith, culture, or race,” Patriarch Bartholomew I.

The head of Eastern Orthodoxy and New Rome said that while we might be divided by great distance, “we are all bound together in unbreakable unity and fellowship around our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

“The Patriarchate, as its name suggests, welcomes all people and cares for all people, irrespective of faith, culture, or race,” said the Patriarch.

“It follows, therefore, that our joy today is all the greater knowing that we find ourselves in a country with this same open embrace and respect for the dignity of every human person.”

The many proud and resolute students parade in front of Patriarch Bartholomew I, PM Albanese, Archbishop Makarios and others – all graced by the bright sun. Photo:Supplied

Patriarch Bartholomew I stressed his commitment to “contemporary issues” and “critical thinking.”

“The Sacred See cannot be isolated from contemporary social and moral issues; she cannot remain disconnected from the modern world.

“Rather, the Orthodox are to bear witness in the spirit of openness and respect for the particularity and uniqueness of all people.”

As the audiences, hundreds of students and special guests enjoyed the day’s final event, in the brilliant azure skywriting spelled out Π Β in Greek for Patriarch Bartholomew.