‘Our People, Their Stories’: Makarios’ History Quote Ignites Diaspora Pride

‘Our People, Their Stories’ surviving depository celebrated its archetypal day connected October 4, 2025, astatine Sydney’s Australian National Maritime Museum. Launched successful October 2024 nether the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s blessing, this integer archive has garnered 11 cardinal planetary views, preserving the narratives of Greek migrants.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivered a almighty humanities quote, urging the diaspora to grant their roots. The lawsuit highlighted the enduring bequest of Greek pioneers successful Australia.

Over 200 guests attended

Origins of ‘Our People, Their Stories’

Directed by Markellos Petropoulos, this inaugural is nether the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. It documents idiosyncratic tales from post-war Greek emigrants who helped signifier the Hellenic assemblage of the 5th continent. Stories item the hardships faced by pioneers arriving successful Australia from Greece. Additionally, the level invites users to lend arsenic researchers oregon storytellers, fostering ongoing engagement.

The project’s scope extends beyond archives. It serves arsenic a span betwixt generations, ensuring younger diaspora members grasp their forebears’ sacrifices. Consequently, this effort aligns with broader Greek migration history, wherever implicit 160,000 Greeks settled successful Australia betwixt 1947 and 1971. Thus, it reinforces nationalist individuality successful the look of modern challenges.

Eminence Archbishop Makarios / Lina Mendoni / Markellos Petropoulos

Archbishop Makarios’ Call to Preserve Heritage

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios opened with gratitude toward the protagonists—those resilient immigrants. He highlighted their “sweat” that nurtured Hellenism’s “imposing tree” successful Australia. Archbishop Makarios praised contributors similar Petropoulos for their zeal.

Turning to the youth, Archbishop Makarios issued a clarion call. “What we bask contiguous is mostly the fruits of this histrion that took basal deeply, acknowledgment to galore efforts,” helium stated. Therefore, helium urged:

So, marque definite to get to cognize the stories of our people, your parents, grandparents, and beryllium inspired by their illustration to look the challenges of modern times. Please bash not place this precious heritage. Because whoever is indifferent to his past is similar a histrion that cuts its roots.

This Archbishop Makarios of Australia past punctuation resonated deeply, evoking emotion among the 200-plus attendees, including diaspora elders present.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivered a almighty speech.

Minister Mendoni Bolsters Cultural Bonds

Greece’s Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, besides attended ‘Our People Their Stories‘, which started with a circuit of the Australian National Migration Monument, besides known arsenic the “Welcome Wall“, arsenic good arsenic the grounds of the warship exhibited astatine the National Maritime Museum.

Ms. Mendoni was welcomed by young members of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women of Sydney, who offered her a bouquet. In grant of the Minister who comes from the land of Chios, a young lad was dressed successful a accepted Chian costume. 

Government Backing and Global Impact

Furthermore, Mendoni affirmed the Ministry’s auspices, including a caller €120,000 subsidy. “We are committed that this auspices volition not lone beryllium symbolic, but besides substantial,” she emphasized. This enactment promotes the planetary visibility of Greek culture. Thus, the lawsuit featured audiovisual tributes and artifact displays, drafting praise from those who attended.

The Master of Ceremonies of the day lawsuit was the Professor of the University of Sydney, Mr. Vrasidas Karalis, Archon of the Holy Metropolis of Australia, portion the Very Reverend Archimandrite Mr. Ignatios Mourtzanos, Chancellor of the Holy Metropolis of Larissa and Tyrnavos, the Ambassador of Greece successful Australia, Mr. Stavros Venizelos, the Deputy High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mr. Nikolaos Varellas, were present.

Among others, The Consuls General of Greece successful Sydney and Melbourne, Mr. Georgios Skemberis and Mrs. Dimitra Georgantzoglou, the Commercial Attaché of the Greek Embassy, Mrs. Chrysoula Prokopaki, the Vice President and the Secretary General of the Archdiocesan Council, Archons of the Archdiocesan Church, Mr. Theodosios Penklis and Mr. Nikolaos Papanastasiou, different Archons, and the Professor of Charles Darwin University, Dr. Georgios Frazis.   

Photo Gallery of the evening’s event

Photos: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia