Following his tour in Melbourne and Perth, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Georges Papacostas, visited the offices of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) on Tuesday, 19 December. The ambassador was accompanied by his wife, Gohar Badalyan, and the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, Mr George Psiachas.
In his first-ever visit to South Australia, the ambassador met the Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOCSA) council members, including the president, Peter Gardiakos, and the new GM, Con Dalagiorgos.
Gardiakos emphasised the importance of the ambassador’s visit to enhance ties with the motherland and boost the confidence of the state’s Greek community.
The visiting dignitary said he was “pleased” with what he saw at GOCSA.
“Hellenism here grows and prospers. It’s an organisation where the older generation of Greeks pass on the knowledge of their ancestors to the younger generation, which is very encouraging for the future,” Ambassador Papacostas said.
“I am sure this good work will continue with the current President and Administrative Council.”
Two books detailing the rich history and journey of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia was presented to the ambassador, along with a white orchid plant, as a token of appreciation on his first visit to Adelaide and GOCSA’s head offices.
The ambassador also took time to sign and write a message in the official visitors’ book of GOCSA, which interestingly was first signed by
the 35th Premier of South Australia, Mr Don Dunstan, in 1975.
