On Thursday 14 August 2025, St George Church in Thornbury welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia for a pastoral visit, the first by an Archbishop to the church in 49 years. Mr Mylonas, a long-standing committee member, recalled a visit approximately 49 years prior to this church. Accompanying His Eminence were His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora.

The evening service was warmly received by the local Greek Orthodox community and marked a moment of spiritual reflection, unity, and renewed connection between the Church and the community. Coming together on the eve of the Dormition of the Theotokos, a day that commemorates the reunion of Panagia with her Son in heaven, parishioners and community leaders alike were reminded of the strength that comes from unity. The Archbishop’s visit highlighted the strong relationship between the Church and the Greek Community and the shared commitment to preserving faith, culture, and connection across generation.

Along with the parish, also in attendance were President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Mr Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Greek Community of Melbourne’s Secretary Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris and Board Member Nick Koukouvitakis.

“We welcomed Archbishop Makarios and Bishops Kyriakos and Evmenios to St George Church,” said Mr Bill Papastergiadis. “The pastoral visit and service was the first attendance in 49 years of an Archbishop to our church.”

Mr Papastergiadis further emphasised the value of collaboration and unity within the Greek diaspora:
“It’s clear as is communicated to me by members of the Hellenic Parliament that in other parts of the global Greek diaspora there is some lack of cohesion amongst various bodies. Hence, it’s important we work collectively, collaboratively, and our relations with the Archdiocese and the Archbishop are strong. We welcome the Archbishop’s visit to our Church and his presence was welcomed by our parishioners. Many thanks to Fr Haralambos and the church committee for their hospitality and dinner following the service. Everyone was made to feel welcomed, and this is at the essence of our Hellenic values and faith.”
Mr Nick Koukouvitakis echoed the sentiment of unity and reverence, stating that: “It’s important that the Community and Church work collaboratively were needed.”

Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Assoc/Prof Marinis Pirpiris added: “The Archbishop’s presence was a blessing to our parishioners and highlighted the partnership between Community and Church.”