Archbishop Makarios of Australia visits Cuba to represent the Ecumenical Patriarchate
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Archbishop Makarios of Australia arrived in Cuba on Wednesday, to represent the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Mother Church of Constantinople at celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the consecration of the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas in Havana. The church was a gift from the people of Cuba to the Greek Orthodox Church and the Ecumenical Patriarch, presented by the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro in 2004.
Upon his arrival at José Martí International Airport in Havana, Archbishop Makarios was warmly received by Metropolitan Jakovos of Mexico, accompanied by Bishop Athenagoras of Myrina, Cuba’s government representative Leira Sánchez Valdivia, Greek Ambassador to Cuba Theodoros Tsakiris, and other state and airport protocol officials.
In a brief but heartfelt conversation at the airport’s VIP lounge, Archbishop Makarios recalled the historic 2004 visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Cuba, which took place at the official invitation of Fidel Castro. During the exchange, Archbishop Makarios conveyed the gratitude of the Mother Church and the Ecumenical Patriarch to Ms. Sánchez Valdivia for the Cuban government’s continuous support and care for the Orthodox faithful in the country.
The Legacy of St. Nicholas Church
On January 25, 2004, Fidel Castro presented the key to St. Nicholas Church to the Ecumenical Patriarch, symbolising the friendship between the Cuban people and the Greek Orthodox Church. The church remains a significant symbol of interfaith collaboration and cultural exchange.
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