Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed the 14-member delegation of the Hellenic Presidential Guard (Evzones) as they arrived in Sydney on Monday 28 April as part of their visit in line with the Anzac Day celebrations.
The reception for the Evzones was held at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of Theotokos, with NSW Premier Chris Minns and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney Ioannis Mallikourtis also present.
A solemn Doxology was performed by Archbishop Makarios, surrounded by Bishops Elpidios of Perth, Kyriakos of Melbourne, Bartholomew of Brisbane, Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Christodoulos of Magnesia.
At the end of the service, the Archbishop addressed the Evzones and said their presence in Australia “touches deeply the soul of our people”.
He pointed out that it strengthens the ties of the Greek Australians with the homeland and also reminds us of the unbreakable bond forged between Greece and Australia, thanks to common struggles and sacrifices for the ideals of freedom, democracy and the dignity of people.
The Archbishop also welcomed the premier, noting his presence as further confirmation that the historical ties between Greece and Australia remain alive and thriving.
“You honour both the sacrifices of the past and the responsibilities of the present,” he said, while thanking Minns for the state government’s support for the celebrations, which will include the Evzones, as well for his respect of Greek heritage and the impact of the Greek Australian community to the wider society of NSW and Australia.
His Eminence then thanked the Evzones for making the long journey to Australia, and implored the Clergy and the people to surround them with the love, respect and honour they deserve.
He declared that the events in honour of the people of the ANZAC Corps, in which the Hellenic Presidential Guard will take part, will contribute to renewing everyone’s commitment “to the high ideals that have shaped our history and will continue to illuminate our future”.
Both Minns and Mallikourtis extended their own greetings to the Evzones, who, among others, thanked the Archbishop for his contribution to the success of their visit to Australia.
The Evzones arrived in Adelaide on 23 April and participated in a number of Anzac Day events.
Similar commemorative and tribute events will be held with their participation in Sydney until 4 May.
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