SYDNEY, October 2026 — Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the Oxi Day Doxology at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern on Thursday, with a detachment of the Greek Presidential Guard in attendance.
His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Canberra and the Chancellor of the Holy Archdiocese, His Grace Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta, assisted the Archbishop at the Oxi Day Doxology, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia said.
The Oxi Day Doxology marked the anniversary of the historic “OXI” of 28 October 1940.
At the Oxi Day Doxology, Archbishop Makarios warmly welcomed the members of the Presidential Guard and addressed the Evzones directly.
Read more: Evzones Raise Greek Flag at OXI Day ANZAC Memorial Ceremony in Sydney
“Our beloved Evzones, you have travelled from Greece to be among us, and through your presence, we feel an even stronger and more vibrant connection with our motherland.”
Archbishop Makarios of Australia
He continued by describing what the guard means for the Greek Australian community, and for its young people in particular.
“You are not merely a ceremonial guard. You are living symbols of Greece’s historical memory, its national dignity and its indomitable spirit. You remind us that the identity of a nation is not preserved through words alone. It is preserved through dedication, discipline and the willingness of each generation to receive its historical inheritance and pass it on to the next.
“For our youth, your presence here makes this history living and tangible. It connects them with their ancestors and reminds them that, although they may have been born far from Greece, they belong to a heritage of extraordinary courage, service and achievement.”
Archbishop Makarios of Australia
Dignitaries at the Oxi Day Doxology
George Skemberis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, attended the service. Theodosios (Theo) Penklis, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Secretary-General of the Archdiocesan Council, also attended, as did Elia Economou, a member of the Archdiocesan Council.
Con Apoifis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales, joined presidents and representatives of Archdiocese organisations, parishes, communities and Greek Australian associations, the Archdiocese said.
Students from the Greek Orthodox Day Schools also attended the Oxi Day Doxology.
After the service, guests attended a festive reception in the Great Hall of St Andrew’s Theological College, according to the Archdiocese’s report on the visit.
Greek City Times reported the Evzones’ arrival in Sydney on 23 October. Since then, the guard has also visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Archbishop recalls 1940 ultimatum
Reflecting on the spirit the Greek people showed during the struggle of 1940, Archbishop Makarios described how Greece answered the ultimatum.
“On that October morning, Greece was confronted with an ultimatum. Its response was a refusal, a ‘NO’, which was destined to acquire a significance far greater than that of a single word. It became a declaration of dignity. A declaration of courage. A declaration of a people’s determination not to surrender their freedom without a struggle.
“The Greek people knew that the road ahead would be difficult. Our soldiers departed for the front, leaving behind parents, wives and children. Mothers waited anxiously for news of their loved ones. Families endured deprivation, uncertainty and suffering. Many never saw their loved ones return.
“Nevertheless, during those difficult days, the Greek people demonstrated something that no military power could measure: the greatness of a nation’s spirit. They reminded the entire world that the greatness of a people is not determined by the size of its territory or the strength of its weapons, but by the profound faith, unity and courage with which it defends its freedom.”
Archbishop Makarios of Australia
The Archbishop concluded by urging everyone to honour the memory of the heroes of 1940 by renewing their own commitment to the values for which those heroes fought.
He also expressed the wish that the spirit of 28 October would always stay alive in the hearts of the faithful, with a reminder about freedom and dignity.
“Freedom is a precious gift, dignity requires constant defence, and the greatest legacy we can leave to our children is a world in which peace and justice prevail.”
Archbishop Makarios of Australia
Photo gallery of the event
Video: Greek City Times
All photos are copyrighted by Nick Bourdaniotis for Greek City Times
