Archbishop Makarios of Australia has unveiled a statue of Greek statesman Eleftherios Venizelos in Melbourne, as the Greek community marked 90 years since the death of the former prime minister.
The unveiling took place on Sunday, November 8, at the Cretan House in Brunswick, hosted by the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria.
The ceremony formed part of a series of commemorative events honouring Venizelos, whose political legacy includes the union of Crete with Greece, the modernisation of the Greek state and the strengthening of the country’s international standing.
Archbishop Makarios, who also has Cretan heritage, addressed the gathering following the unveiling, describing Venizelos as one of the most significant figures in modern Greek history.
“Eleftherios Venizelos holds a prominent place in the history of Greece. A man of exceptional political insight, determination and foresight, he had the ability to recognise the challenges of his time and the courage to lead his nation through periods of profound change,” the Archbishop said.
He stressed that honouring Venizelos should involve passing on the values associated with his public life, including vision, courage, dedication and service.
The Archbishop also highlighted the responsibility of the Greek Australian community to ensure younger generations understand their heritage and the contribution of Hellenism to Australian society.
“Our children must know their origins, appreciate the achievements of their ancestors and recognise the contribution of Hellenism to Australian society, both in the past and in the present,” he said.
He described the statue as more than a tribute to a historical figure, saying it should serve as an opportunity for education, reflection and inspiration.
“The heritage that is not passed on gradually weakens, while the heritage that is nurtured becomes a source of strength and confidence for the future,” he added.
Exhibition highlights Venizelos’ connection with Greek Australians
Earlier in the day, Archbishop Makarios attended the official opening of an exhibition titled The Legacy of the Leader and His Relationship with Hellenism in Australia.
The exhibition is being presented at the facilities of the Holy Cathedral of Panagia Axion Esti in Northcote by the Oceania branch of the National Research and Studies Foundation “Eleftherios K. Venizelos”.
It is supported by the General State Archives of Greece and held under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The exhibition explores Venizelos’ relationship with the Greek community in Australia and his wider historical legacy.
During his address, Archbishop Makarios also highlighted a lesser-known connection between the former Greek leader and the Australian Orthodox Church.
He pointed to Metropolitan Christophoros of Serres, who was a close associate of Venizelos and later became the first Bishop of Australia in 1924.
In 1919, when Venizelos travelled to Paris to participate in negotiations with the Great Powers over Greece’s future, he included Metropolitan Christophoros in the Greek delegation.
The Archbishop noted that Christophoros was an Oxford University graduate who spoke English, describing his participation as a source of pride for the Greek community.
Greek Australian community gathers to honour Venizelos
Archbishop Makarios congratulated the organisers and contributors behind the commemorative events, making particular mention of Antonios Tsourdalakis, president of the Oceania branch of the Eleftherios K. Venizelos Foundation, and Kyriakos Chairekakis, president of the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria.
Among those attending were Bishop Evmenios of Chora, Greece’s Consul General in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Greece’s Honorary Consul in New Zealand George Neonakis, representatives of the Venizelos Foundation in Crete and officials from the General State Archives of Greece.
The president of the Cretan folklore group Kourites, George Pattakos, also presented Archbishop Makarios with an icon of Saint Nikephoros Phokas, the Byzantine emperor, in commemoration of the occasion.
The events brought together representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church, diplomatic officials and members of the Greek Australian community to recognise Venizelos’ historical legacy and the continuing connection between Greece and its diaspora.