The Archbishop of Australia welcomed the Greek National Water Polo Team

On Monday, 20 July, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia received a visit from the Greek Men’s National Water Polo Team, which is in Sydney to participate in the final stage of the Water Polo World Cup, to be held from 22 to 26 July 2026.

Accompanied by Their Graces Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint George at Yellow Rock; Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod; and Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta, Chancellor of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, His Eminence warmly welcomed the national team coach, Theodoros Vlachos, together with the players and team support staff, at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady.

After welcoming and thanking the members of the delegation for visiting the headquarters of the Orthodox Church in Australia, the Archbishop briefly presented the history of the Cathedral and the ongoing work of its iconography. He also outlined the history, administrative structure and ministry of the local Church in support of the thriving and dynamic Greek community of Australia.

Archbishop Makarios then wished the Greek team every success in its forthcoming matches, while reminding its members that, although victory is the natural objective of every athlete, the true meaning of life is not exhausted by worldly success and distinction. “In sport, victory is always the goal, but we Orthodox Christians have learned to live even without victories. Above all, we want to be well, to enjoy what we do, and to understand the purpose for which we do it,” he observed.

Addressing the young athletes in particular, His Eminence urged them to care zealously not only for their physical health and strength, but also for their emotional and spiritual development. He noted that modern people often devote themselves primarily to strengthening the body and cultivating their outward appearance, and encouraged the athletes to dedicate at least a few minutes each day to the care of their souls.

Emphasising that the human person is a psychosomatic unity, the Archbishop stated: “If our soul is not healthy, our body will eventually collapse.” During the meeting, His Eminence held a warm and constructive discussion with all members of the delegation, who sought and received his paternal blessing. Commemorative gifts were exchanged at the conclusion of the visit.

The Greek team presented the Archbishop with a water polo ball signed by all its players, while the Holy Archdiocese of Australia offered each member of the delegation commemorative coins and stamps issued to mark the centenary of the Archdiocese.

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