An Ecumenical service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne on April 6, brought together members of the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Orthodox communities to commemorate the victims of the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides.
The moving service, organised by the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Assyrian Churches, also marked the 111th anniversary of the massacre of Greeks in Thrace, known as “Mavro Pascha” (Black Easter).
The service, which focused on remembrance and unity, was attended by a diverse congregation, reflecting the collective commitment to honour the victims and recognise the historical significance of these tragic events. The event highlighted the importance of acknowledging the past and promoting peace and understanding within the community.
Peter Stefanidis, President of the Australian Hellenic Council (AHC), expressed his gratitude to the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne for organising the event, as well as to the Armenian and Assyrian churches for their continued leadership in the fight for genocide recognition.
“This ecumenical service was a deeply meaningful moment of remembrance and solidarity,” Stefanidis said. “The coming together of these diverse communities to honour the victims of the genocides is a testament to our shared humanity.”
The service also brought together local dignitaries, including Federal Senator Raff Ciccione and Ann-Marie Hermans, Victorian State Member of the Legislative Council. Their attendance underscored the ongoing commitment of Australian political leaders to address historical injustices and raise awareness of the importance of genocide recognition.
Bishop Evmenios and Father Phillip of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia also attended, reflecting the spirit of interfaith collaboration and solidarity in the face of shared historical trauma.
Dean Kalimniou, representing the Joint Justice Initiative, commended the Anglican Church for its support of genocide recognition, stating, “Only by recognising such criminal acts can we provide true context to the suffering of victims and ensure that these crimes are never repeated.”
