As part of his successive visits to Victoria’s peak multicultural organisations across the state, Matthew Guy, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship met last week in Melbourne with Bishop of Dervis Ezekiel and Bishop of Militoupoleos Iakovos.
“I welcome the opportunity to commend the Archdiocese for its hard work in caring, supporting and advocating for Victoria’s Greek Orthodox community,” said Mr Guy.
“The Archdiocese plays a vital role in supporting its community, from the newest arrivals to the most established migrants.
“Its efforts have been particularly important in the wake of the financial crisis in Greece and I thank them for their invaluable support and guidance for the Greek community here in Victoria,” concluded the minister.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia was established in March 1924, 90 years ago, as the Metropolis of Australia and New Zealand, under the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
It is worth noting that Matthew Guy, after his meeting with the two Victorian orthodox church leaders, also acknowledged the wider Greek community of the state for its contribution to shaping Victoria’s multicultural heritage.
“Victoria’s large Greek community has welcomed people far and wide to share in its culture and traditions, with an openness and inclusivity that has greatly enriched our multicultural landscape,” said the minister.