Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia, Makarios expressed his delight over the successful ‘Christmas Kalanda 2021’ event that took place at the Axion Esti monastery in Northcote, Victoria.
The celebratory happening virtually brought together Athens, Greece with Melbourne through music and tradition on Thursday 23 December.
In collaboration with acclaimed composer Tasos Ioannides, Spyros Lambrou’s children’s choir with Melbourne born Sophia Tserou, Thanos Lambrou and Alkmini Basakarou presented a festive compilation of music and Christmas carols at the Olympia -Maria Callas Municipal Theatre in Athens.
The concert was presented via a giant screen in the outdoor area during the event at the Axion Esti Monastery alongside other celebratory events. Mayor of Athens Kostas Bacoyiannis also extended his wishes to the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
Archbishop Makarios thanked the attendees during his heartfelt address, reminding everyone that “love has no limits”.
“Love is for everyone,” he said. “For those we know and those we don’t know. For friends and for relatives and for the enemies. As well as for those that are not Greek Orthodox. Those that are not Greek. And those that do not come love our own traditions and our own customs. Love goes out to everyone, without exception,” he stressed urging people to operate from the heart and not strictly from the mind.
Finally, the Archbishop extended his respect and appreciation to the Metropolitan of Dervis Ezekiel for organising such a grand event in his honour highlighting his contribution to the Greek Orthodox community of Australia.
General Consul of Greece in Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Federal MP Maria Vamvakinou and President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and NZ, Tony Tsourdalakis also attended the event alongside several representatives of Greek diaspora organisations in Victoria, members of the clergy and members from the community.
