A commemorative silver coin was presented by Australian Ambassador Alison Duncan to Archbishop Makarios in recognition of the enduring historical ties between Australia and Greece.
A symbolic gift commemorating the longstanding friendship between Greece and Australia was personally presented by Australian Ambassador Alison Duncan to Archbishop Makarios of Australia to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
The meeting took place in Athens during Archbishop Makarios’ recent visit to Greece.
Ambassador Duncan presented the Archbishop with a commemorative silver coin issued by the Royal Australian Mint.
The coin forms part of a special collection released this year in honour of the Australian ANZAC troops who fought during the Greek Campaign and the Battle of Crete between April and May 1941.
The Battle of Crete is regarded as a defining moment in the enduring relationship between Greece and Australia, as Australian soldiers fought alongside Greek and Allied forces against the Nazi invasion.
The commemorative coin recognises the courage, sacrifice and comradeship shared by the two nations.
It also pays tribute to the people of Crete, many of whom risked their lives to protect Australian soldiers from capture and help them escape the island following the German invasion.
For that reason, presenting the commemorative gift to Archbishop Makarios—who was born in Heraklion, Crete (Konstantinos Griniezakis)—held special significance.
“It was a moving moment for him as a Cretan,” Ambassador Duncan wrote in a social media post following the meeting.
“The local population, and especially the Holy Monastery of Preveli, risked their own lives to protect and help Australian soldiers avoid capture and escape the island after the German invasion.”
In May, as part of commemorations marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, Ambassador Duncan also presented the commemorative silver coin to President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas at the Presidential Mansion.
The Ambassador also presented the commemorative gift to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Konstantinos Mitsotakis Foundation.
