Victoria Government recently hosted a special reception to mark the beginning of Holy and Great Lent, organised by Premier The Hon. Jacinta Allan. The event brought together Christian leaders from various traditions, emphasising the importance of unity and dialogue in strengthening society.
Representing the Archdiocese of Australia, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and Bishop Evmenios of Chora attended the event. Speaking on behalf of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Evmenios shared heartfelt blessings for the Lenten season, highlighting Lent as a time for personal growth, prayer, and preparation for the Lord’s Resurrection.
He also stressed that Lent invites all Christians to embrace love, justice, and the common good. Despite differences in traditions, core values like faith, peace, and charity unite believers. The 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea was also celebrated as a symbol of Christian unity.
With global tensions rising, Bishop Evmenios called for peaceful coexistence and cooperation, urging Christian leaders to act as bridges of reconciliation in times of conflict.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, under Archbishop Makarios, remains committed to promoting unity and working with all people of goodwill, striving for a society based on respect, peace, and justice.
The Archdiocese also expressed gratitude to Premier Allan for her initiative in recognizing the role of Christian leaders in shaping Victoria’s values and social fabric.
