Prime Minister Tony Abbott was among the many people who attended Greek Orthodox Easter church services around the nation.
Tony Abbott and Nickolas Varvaris, federal member for Barton, attended the Resurrection of Christ Greek Orthodox Church midnight mass service alongside thousands of Greek residents of the Barton electorate in New South Wales.
“Tonight I attended the Orthodox midnight mass at the Greek Orthodox Church in Kogarah,” the prime minister said.
“Wishing you all a very happy, peaceful and healthy Orthodox Easter.
“Thank you to the Very Rev. Father Sophronios Konidaris for his inspiring service to all the parishioners,” Abbott added.
He also expressed his compassion towards the thousands of Greek immigrants who were forced to leave their country and seek a new future in another country. Tony Abbott told the congregation he acknowledges the immense contribution of the Greek community to Australia’s identity and even wished Greece a happy Easter, highlighting his support towards the Greek population struggling to survive under severe austerity policies.
At the end of his short speech, the prime minister thanked Nickolas Varvaris for inviting him to the Orthodox liturgy and wished a loud “Christos Anesti” to the 15,000 people who had gathered outside the church, getting a moving “Alithos Anesti” in return.
Premier of South Australia Jay Weatherill and the State Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis were also exchanging Christos Anesti wishes at Saint George Orthodox Church in Thebarton, celebrating Orthodox Easter.
Victoria was not left out either, as Premier Daniel Andrews joined the Orthodox Christian calendar’s biggest celebration, wishing a happy Easter alongside Steve Dimopoulos MP for Oakleigh, Philip Dalidakis MP for Sth Metro and Nick Staikos MP for Bentleigh.
“This weekend, I’d like to extend my best wishes to our Orthodox Christian communities as they observe Holy Friday and the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha,” the premier said.
“While this is a time of joy, it also reminds us to be considerate and kind to others. I wish you the very best of celebrations.”