A Memorial Service for the Hellenism of Asia Minor was conducted by Archbishop Makarios of Australia at the Australian Hellenic Memorial Domain Gardens in Melbourne on Saturday 24 September 2022.
The liturgy to commemorate the centenary of the Asia Minor Genocide coincided with the 21st anniversary of the unveiling of the monument where all the Greeks and Australians who gave up their lives during the First and Second World Wars were honoured.
It was the first time Archbishop Makarios visited the memorial and gave it his blessing. The Archbishop stated that he was “very impressed with the memorial”, and he promised that when he is in Melbourne again, he will attend the memorial for another service.
From the Asia Minor Memorial ceremony. All photos: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia/Supplied
From the Asia Minor Memorial ceremony. All photos: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia/Supplied
From the Asia Minor Memorial ceremony. All photos: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia/Supplied
From the Asia Minor Memorial ceremony. All photos: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia/Supplied
The Memorial Foundation Committee has also made Archbishop Makarios a patron of the memorial, and presented to him a certificate delivered by the President of the memorial Steve(Anastasios) Kyritsis OAM.
The Archbishop expressed his gratitude and honour to have been made a patron of the memorial.
Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Mr Emmanuel Kakavelakis attended the service, and spoke in honour of the contribution of Asia Minor Hellenes and commemorated the displaced and fallen.
Ms Ros Spence MP, and Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP, were in attendance representing the Hon. Anthony Albanese alongside David Davis, MLC, representing the Opposition leader of Victoria Mr Mathew Guy.
Cr Steve Staikos, Cr Theo Zographos and Nina Taylor MP,
including several local and wider community organisations marked the day by paying their respects.
