Matt Thistlethwaite (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Financial Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The 29th of June was a historic moment for the Greek Orthodox community of Australia, with the enthronement of Archbishop Makarios Griniezakis. His Eminence is now the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, and it was a joyous occasion, although it follows the sad passing of Archbishop Stylianos earlier in the year.

I was honoured to attend the enthronement service with the Labor leader, the member for Grayndler, Anthony Albanese, at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Sydney to hear from His Eminence. His Eminence spoke of his main wish: to break down barriers between faiths, to spread love without discriminating and to mentor young Australians. He was clear also about the importance of young people and their relationship with the church.

The Greek Orthodox Church has touched many lives in Australia, young and old, in the Greek community and beyond. I am proud to represent an electorate that has a very vibrant Greek Orthodox community. Kingsford Smith is home to the St Spyridon and St Katherine parishes, which do a great job educating young Australians.

Congratulations to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios. On behalf of Labor, we wish him the best of successes, and we look forward to working with him as a spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox community in Australia.