NATIONAL ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT
ISLANDER ECUMENICAL COMMISSION

Continuing the Journey...

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

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RESPONSE TO THE RECONCILIATION PROCESS

Support for Reconciliation:

It was expressed to the AIC that the Greek Archdiocese, at this time in its history as a church in Australia, finds it difficult to know how best to respond to the Reconciliation Process. The Greek Archdiocese does, however, acknowledge the importance of reconciliation.

It was noted that the Year 2000 was a particularly historic year for the Greek Archdiocese in that for the first time an Aboriginal language (Pitjantjatjara) was used in a worship service. This occurred during the Easter service, titled 'Vespers of love', in Sydney.

The Greek Archdiocese contacted the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation in April 2000 to express views on possible future directions for reconciliation.

The students of St Andrews Greek Orthodox Theological College have had the opportunity to gain awareness of Indigenous issues through the presentation of an Aboriginal guest speaker. In Melbourne the wider church membership were exposed to an Indigenous perspective as an Aboriginal speaker was invited to take part in a cultural forum organised by the church.

Responding to Disadvantage as Reconciliation:

The Greek Archdiocese does not have the infrastructure to provide services to Indigenous people as a response to addressing disadvantage.

Vision for Reconciliation:

The Greek Archdiocese would like to continue to raise understanding on a local level through continuing to facilitate opportunities to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about their culture and history.