Greek Minister for National Defence Nikos Dendias was welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Sydney on Thursday, July 16, where he attended a Doxology before receiving one of the Archdiocese’s highest distinctions.

Following the Doxology, Archbishop Makarios presented Dendias with the Order of the Christ-Loving Cross, conferring upon him the rank of High Commander in recognition of his service to Greece, Hellenism and the Orthodox Church.

The honorary diploma described the minister as a man of “high moral standards” who has demonstrated dedication to both the Church and the ideals of the Greek nation.

In his address, Archbishop Makarios welcomed Dendias on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod, clergy and faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, describing his visit as a clear demonstration of the Greek Government’s commitment to the Greek diaspora and the Church in Australia.

The Archbishop reflected on the historic partnership between the Church and Hellenism, saying that despite centuries of wars, upheaval and changing borders, the Orthodox Church had remained a constant guardian of Greek identity. He said the vibrant Greek Orthodox presence in Australia showed that Hellenism continued to flourish far from its homeland and asked the minister to carry that message back to Greece.

Archbishop Makarios also praised Dendias’ decades of public service, describing him as a dedicated statesman whose integrity and commitment to protecting Greece’s national interests had earned the respect of the Greek people.

Accepting the honour, Dendias said he received the distinction with deep humility, stressing that he regarded it not as a personal recognition but as a tribute to the men and women of Greece’s Armed Forces, whose daily mission is to defend the country’s borders and safeguard Hellenism.

Reflecting on Greece’s history, the minister said one of Hellenism’s greatest tragedies had been repeated internal divisions, adding that it gave him “immense joy and deep spiritual comfort” to see Australia’s Greek community united alongside the Orthodox Church, which he described as the diaspora’s strongest and most enduring pillar.

Dendias said he had been deeply moved by the Greek flag flying outside the cathedral, the young people dressed in Evzone and Macedonian Fighter uniforms, and the church’s iconography, saying they reflected the continuity of Greece’s history, traditions, Orthodox faith and language.

“It is profoundly moving to hear the Greek language spoken and prayed in the Orthodox Church here in Australia,” he said.

Turning to the Greek Australian community, Dendias recalled meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during an international gathering, saying he still remembered “the warmth and admiration with which he spoke about the Greek presence in this country.”

He described Australia’s Greek community as one of the largest in the world outside Greece and praised the respect it enjoys across Australian society.

Concluding his remarks, Dendias thanked Archbishop Makarios for the honour, saying he accepted it “not as a personal distinction, but as a tribute to the men and women who stand watch day and night in defence of our homeland.”

The Doxology formed one of the key events of Dendias’ official visit to Australia. Following engagements in Qatar, the Greek minister travelled to Australia for meetings with government representatives, defence and technology leaders, academics and members of the Greek Australian community to discuss defence cooperation, emerging technologies and strategic developments in the Southeastern Mediterranean.

His itinerary also includes a Business Sydney discussion on regional security and visits to Australian defence technology companies, highlighting the growing collaboration between Greece and Australia in innovation, research and advanced defence capabilities.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos

Source: Greekherald.com.au