On Wednesday, 26 October 2022, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Chardalias, representing the Hellenic Government and the Ministry of National Defence, attended the Divine Liturgy for the celebration of the Great Martyr Saint Dimitrios, officiated by His Grace, the Bishop of Sinopi Mr. Silouanos (representing the Archbishop of Australia, Mr. Makarios) at the Church of Saint Dimitrios in Salisbury, Adelaide, with the participation of a detail of Presidential Guard Evzones.

The ceremony was also attended by Vice Admiral Efthymios Mikros HN as representative of HE the President of the Hellenic Republic, the Minister for Education, Training, and Skills of Australia, Mr. Blair Boyer, State MPs Mr. Michel Brown and Mr. John Fulbrook, the Mayor or Salisbury, Ms. Jillian Adridge, House of Representatives MP Mr. Tonu Zappia, the General Consul of Greece in Adelaide, Mr. Georgios Psiachas, the Greek Defence Attaché, Colonel Ioannis Fasianos, and crowds of people from the Greek and Cypriot communities.

After the Divine Liturgy, the Deputy Minister of National Defence met with His Grace, the Bishop of Sinopi Mr. Silouanos, with whom he discussed matters of the Diaspora and the Bishopric’s work, and conveyed the Hellenic Government’s support to it.

The Deputy Minister of National Defence then attended the lunch hosted by the Bishopric for all officials attending the Divine Liturgy. In his address, Mr. Chardalias:

Congratulated, as representative of the Hellenic Government, the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of National Defence, the Greek Diaspora for its work for the Motherland, thirteen kilometers away.

Conveyed the gratitude of the Government and all Greeks for being the Ambassadors of Greece, upholding the morals, customs, and values of Hellenism.

Assured the Diaspora that Greece is strong, plays a leading role, with its Armed Forces ready, if necessary, to fight and fulfil their oath.

He stressed that “we Greeks are a peaceful people, we want to be a pillar of stability, we seek peace, dialogue, friendship with our neighbours, but we also send the message that our country, our national, sovereign rights are non-negotiable. Against the dangerous and aggressive rhetoric and unfounded claims, Greece remains steadfast, calm, and, with the help of God, if necessary, which we do not wish, rest assured that our Armed Forces personnel will fulfil their duty, always true to the traditions of our ancestors”.

He concluded, referring to the unique way in which the Diaspora welcomes Greek officials and others, that the way it hugs them, shakes their hand, looks them in the eye, gives strength, courage, and conveys the message that Greece is everywhere, Greeks are everywhere, and passes down to the youth, the new generations, the values of our ancestors.

Finally, the Deputy Minister of National Defence visited the General Consulate of Greece in Adelaide, where he met with the General Consul, Mr. Georgios Psiachas, with whom he discussed matter of mutual interest. He also addressed the members of the diplomatic delegation, whom he congratulated for the excellent performance of their duties. The visit at the Consulate was also attended by Vice Admiral Efthymios Mikros HN and the Presidential Guard Evzones.