The visiting Patriarch called for unity and cooperation as “the challenges we face – whether related to war, poverty or the environment – cannot be solved by any nation, organisation or community acting in isolation”.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was accompanied by the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia Makarios, had a meeting with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on Monday. According to a statement from the Australian Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the meeting was held in a “cordial atmosphere and issues of common interest were discussed, with emphasis on the Greek Orthodox presence in Victoria.”
On Tuesday, October 15, the 270th Archbishop of Constantinople, was at a function in his honour, hosted by the Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner, along with State Premier Jacinta Allan, at the Governor’s Mansion. The Victorian premier was the one who wrote to the governor requesting a reception usually only afforded to heads of state.
The reception was a veritable who’s who of the Victorian Hellenic community, along the guests were clergy from various denominations, current and former Greek Australian Victorian parliamentarians, the president of the Greek Community of Melbourne, (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis and his treasurer Marinis Pirpiris among many others.
Premier Jacinta Allan Reflects on multicultural Victoria and shared values
Premier Jacinta Allan said the visit was part of an “incredible 100-year celebration of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese here in Australia”.
Allan emphasised the it was the patriarch’s first visit Australia in 30 years.
“I know from looking at so many of you here this evening this is a visit that holds so much meaning for so many people in our community. The premier then said that it was the timing of All Holiness’s was “more meaningful” as many communities in Australia, “and around the world, right now that are hurting”.
“The message that His All Holiness brings is the message of peace, a message of dialogue, and message of compassion and connection and message that reminds us of the values that unite us all.”
The premier quoted the words of the patriarch from the liturgy and parade last Sunday when he said, the patriarchy welcomes “all people and cares for all people, irrespective of faith, culture, or race.
“If we believe have found safety here, finding safety in a new home doesn’t mean you start suddenly stop thinking about your old home – that’s true for Christians from the Middle East – families from places like Lebanon, Palestine, and Iraq – who are here but remain worried about those left behind.”
The premier said that Victoria “must always stand willing to protect these communities that have existed in the Middle East since the very beginning of their beliefs.”
“I want to make it clear that this is not about political dialogue, it’s about people’s lives their faith and their communities, and as the Patriarch reminds us it’s our role to welcome those who are seeking safety and practise these values of kindness, tolerance and community.”
The premier then called Victoria “unique in the world” because of what “we have here as His Holiness visit reminds us”.
“Melbourne and Victoria are so very special – where many cultures, traditions and faiths can be celebrated freely. And while we do live in a secular society, we can still acknowledge our roots, the Judeo-Christian values that shaped the state we call home today.”
The premier also reflected on her Christian values which “shaped” the person she is today.
“Growing up in Bendigo as part of a big Catholic family, and today I have the opportunity to teach those values my parents passed on to me, the belief in fairness and kindness, and the belief of standing up for others, and the belief that we have a responsibility of making this a better world for others.”
These beliefs the premier said, were “passed on” to her by her mother.
Patriarch Bartholomew I stresses the Church’s duty to advocate for human dignity
Patriarch Bartholomew I took to the podium to express his gratitude for the hospitality and the presentation in his honour. The Patriarch’s address focused on the role of the Church in modern society.
“Some people believe that religion should remain private, far from public life,” the Patriarch observed, only to counter emphatically, adding that “The Church has a moral obligation to speak out on issues that shape our world – especially those that affect human dignity and justice.”
The patriarch then spoke and stressed that the person is more than an economic entity, “homo economicus”, and pointed out that “in the face of consumerism, the Church calls for a deeper reflection on the nature of human existence”.
He highlighted the importance of the Church in promoting solidarity, emphasising the need to advocate for those who are unable to do so for themselves.
We are called to be a voice for those who have no voice and to stand by the side of the oppressed and marginalised – Patriarch Bartholomew I
Finally, Patriarch Bartholomew I referred to “vital the role of the Church in addressing the growing crisis of isolation and loneliness in our society. ”
“In an age of unprecedented technological advances, we are more connected than ever before, yet many people feel increasingly isolated and disconnected from their communities,” he said.
Patriarch Bartholomew I ended with a call for unity and cooperation for the common good, as “the challenges we face – whether related to war, poverty or the environment – cannot be solved by any nation, organisation or community acting in isolation”.
