The Metropolitan of New Zealand, Mr Myron, paid a visit to the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), together with the priest George Kanellis and the Secretary of the Metropolis Evangelos Kambitakis.

Mr Myron met with the President of the GCM Mr BIll Papastergiades and the Hon. General Secretary Mr Costas Markos and was briefed on the activities of the Community and the Greek Centre for Contemporary Culture.

Commenting on the meeting, Mr. Papastergiadis said that they discussed various ways of cooperation in cultural and educational areas.

"We discussed how we may assist the New Zealand Holy Metropolis on a variety of issues," Mr Papastergiadis said. "One of them is to work together to promote a film that has already been completed and deals with the outreach work the church has undertaken in Fiji, with the establishment of an orphanage and other facilities. With the cooperation of the GCM, the film will be screened in Melbourne and details will be announced shortly. "

Mr Papastegiadis first met Myron in Constantinople during his visit to Fanari.

"I first met him in Constantinople during my meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew," Papastergiadis said.

He stressed that Myron is a humble, friendly, approachable person and a good interlocutor. The conversation with him lasted an hour. He was particularly interested in educational issues, while other issues such as the strengthening of the Metropolitan programs with the help of beneficiaries were discussed.

“We explained our experience as a community organisation, emphasising that we work collectively with our benefactors and the community for our projects and activities. We particularly explained how we succeeded in creating the Greek Centre, the 15-storey GCM building.»

Mr Myron also visited the GCM offices where he met with and talked to staff members. He also had an extensive discussion about the GCM schools and educational issues with the education officer and principal Manos Tzimpragos.