The medal of the Order of Philochrists, a high distinction awarded by the Holy Archdiocese of Australia to persons who are distinguished for their contribution to the Orthodox Church and the Greek diaspora more broadly, were received by their Pastor, on Sunday, July 9, by two pious parishioners of the Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen, Newtown, Sydney.

The reason for Mrs. Maria Markou and Mr. Efstratios Pitelis, two poor bio-wrestlers but “rich” at heart expatriates, who were honored by the Archbishop of Australia Makarios at the end of the Divine Liturgy, which he presided over during his pastoral visit to the Parish .

Mrs. Maria Markou, originally from Athens, was honored for her continuous and unselfish service – for a full 55 years – as a Greek teacher in the evening schools of the Parish and as an executive of the Philoptochus Brotherhood. Her achievements, in the more than half a century she has devotedly served the Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen, are innumerable. It stands out the fact that, under her guidance, a student native of Australia, who had no connection and previous contact with the Greek language and the Greek heritage in general, was ranked first in the final exams in the Greek course, in the State of Nea Notiou Wales. It is also noteworthy that Mrs. Markou, who is distinguished for her self-sacrificing love for her students, is now teaching the children and grandchildren of her first students, one of whom was the Deputy Chief Judge in Nea South Wales, Mr. Theodoros Tsavdaridis.

The other laureate, Mr. Efstratios Pitelis, who originates from Mytilini, Lesvos, counts 45 years of uninterrupted contribution as a youth worker to I.N. Agios Nikolaos Marrickville and in I.N. Saints Constantine and Helen Newtown. In particular, after his retirement, in 1978, Mr. Pitelis devoted himself completely to the Church, undertaking to minister as a youth, initially I.N. Agios Nikolaos, until 1988, and since then I.N. Saints Constantine and Helen. His offering goes beyond the narrow limits of a young man’s duties. Mainly thanks to him, the church of Saints Constantine and Helen is famous for always remaining open, since he devotes 12 hours a day, 365 days a year to his ministry.

Archbishop Makarios, who with great joy and emotion awarded the order of the Philanthropists to the two expatriates, wished God to grant them health, strength and long life, while he pointed out that their untiring and selfless offering becomes an example for younger women to follow generations.