Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Representatives Attend Official Events Honouring the Visit of the Greek Minister of National Defence

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW was honoured to be represented at two significant events held during the official visit of the Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Nikos Dendias, to Sydney.

At the first official event, a Doxology Service held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady on Thursday, 16 July, the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW was represented by Board Member Mr Peter Tsintilas, together with the General Manager, Mrs Vasiliki Tomaras. Following the Doxology, Mr Tsintilas and Mrs Tomaras attended the official luncheon held in honour of Minister Dendias in the Hall of Saint Andrew's Theological College, where clergy, dignitaries and community leaders gathered to welcome the distinguished visitor.

The service, hosted by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, welcomed Minister Dendias to the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. During his address, His Eminence highlighted the enduring strength of Hellenism in Australia and the vital role of the Church and the Community Organisations in preserving the Greek language, Orthodox faith and cultural heritage for future generations.

Minister Dendias expressed his admiration for the unity of the Greek Australian community under the leadership of Archbishop Makarios and acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the Holy Archdiocese in maintaining the strong bond between the Greek diaspora and Mother Greece. At the conclusion of the Doxology, His Eminence presented the Minister with the Medal of the Order of the Christ-loving with a Star, the highest honour of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, in recognition of his distinguished service to Greece and Hellenism worldwide.

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW was also represented at the second official event, a high-level discussion titled "Security in the Eastern Mediterranean: Insights on Emerging Security and Energy Dynamics Shaping the Region," jointly hosted by the Embassy of Greece in Australia and Business Sydney.

Representing the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW at this important forum were Secretary Mr George Diamataris and Treasurer Mr John Terzis.

The discussion featured Minister Nikos Dendias and former Australian Senator Mr Stephen Loosley, who explored key issues affecting the Eastern Mediterranean, including Greece–Australia relations, Greece's strategic partnerships, regional security, NATO, Greece–Turkey relations, and developments concerning Cyprus.

In his keynote address, Minister Dendias reaffirmed Greece's commitment to promoting peace, stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean. He highlighted the region's growing geopolitical importance and emphasised the significant opportunities for enhanced cooperation in energy, trade, connectivity and sustainable economic development.

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW is proud to have been represented at these important occasions, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen the enduring ties between Australia and Greece while celebrating our shared heritage and values.

Photographs: Markellos Petropoulos and Vasilis Vasilas