The year ended on a high note for the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV), with His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos paying a visit to the newly built headquarters for the first time on the final day of the year.
With a history of strong division between the Orthodox Church and many Greek communities across Australia, the Archbishop’s presence was a significant moment for the community, emphasising the strong and growing ties between the leadership of both organisations.
Accompanied by Bishop Ezekiel and Bishop Iakovos of Militoupolis, the Archbishop was welcomed by president of the GOCMV Bill Papastergiadis and given a tour of the cultural centre.
Mr Papastergiadis told Neos Kosmos that the visit was in response to an invitation extended to the Archbishop at his name day celebrations last year, and was an opportunity to inform His Eminence of the details of the community’s current and future projects.
“The visit was a historic moment,” said Mr Papastergiadis.
“It is an indication of good relations between the Archdiocese of Australia and the community.
What it reveals is that there is an open line of communication, there is a clear understanding by each organisation of its role and responsibility in our parikoia, and there’s also good rapport between the organisations to work cooperatively on key social matters,” he told Neos Kosmos.
Archbishop Stylianos was said to be very impressed by the magnitude of the project and was hopeful that the new centre would be used as an example for other organisations about how they should move forward.
Moved by his visit, Archbishop Stylianos addressed the community, stating: “You’re all doing a great job and deserve to be congratulated.”
Also present on the day were vice presidents Jim Bossinakis and George Kallianis, secretary general Markos Costas, treasurer Nick Pathimos, and director of the Greek Centre of Contemporary Culture George Menidis along with other staff members of the community.