The enthronement ceremony took place this morning at 11am, at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of Virgin Mary, at Redfern, Sydney. Hundreds of faithful filled the church and spilled out to the main street and showered the new Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia with rose petals as he entered the cathedral while "Axios" was being heard from every direction.
Clerical leaders, heads of churches, high level officials from the state and federal government, past and present politicians attended the ceremony, along with representatives from the Greek and Cypriot governments and churches, and the parents of the new archbishop.
During his speech, Archbishop Makarios said that he will stand by each one's side «like a compassionate father, an honest father and a blessed friend», with his main wish being «to break down distances and spread love without discriminating».
NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian Source: Supplied
He was unequivocal about the importance of young people and their relationship with the Church.
Archbishop Makarios highlighted that one of the Archdiocese’s core priorities will be the youth, «who are not only the future but also the present of the Church» while he stressed that on that point "we cannot wait any longer".
Australia’s new archbishop called on young people to come close to Jesus Christ and to trust the Church. 
Source: Supplied
High level representatives at the ceremony
The federal government was represented by Immigration Minister, David Coleman, who attended the enthronement. NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, an Orthodox Christian of Armenian background, attended the ceremony and gave a moving speech in which she said that "as someone of Orthodox faith and tradition myself I feel incredibly proud to have witnessed this wonderful service and looking forward to working with you in the community for decades to come".
The Greek government was represented by Terence Quick, Deputy Foreign Minister, who holds the portfolio of Greeks Abroad. He flew to Australia today for the ceremony and is expected to depart tomorrow.
Also present was the Labor Party’s leader, Anthony Albanese, the Shadow Minister Tony Burke, Greek -Australian senator Arthur Synodinos, the High Commissioner of Cyprus, Martha Mavrommati as well as state and federal members of parliament.
Source: Supplied
