Harkianakis played a key role in the expansion of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia throughout his 44 years of service. He founded St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College in Sydney to provide tertiary-level training for members of Christian Orthodox churches.

“His distinguished service and leadership to the Greek Australian community will be greatly missed.” – Scott Morrison

A media release by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia described Harkianakis as “a fierce defender of the Orthodox faith” and “a luminous figure of world 0rthodoxy”, saying he carried out his role as Archbishop “with vision, courage, pragmatism and sacrifice.”

“Above all else, Archbishop Stylianos was deeply moved by the human condition. He loved the human person as the icon of God and showed genuine interest in understanding and empathising with the suffering people from all walks of life,” the release continued.

Also noted was the love that Harkianakis had “for everything that is Australia from the natural beauty of the land to the spirituality of its Aboriginal peoples to the strength of its modern democracy.” The Archbishop also had been able to express this love in his published poetry.

Many Australian government and church leaders took to Twitter to express their sorrow, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison who tweeted: “Saddened to hear of the passing of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos Harkianakis … His distinguished service and leadership to the Greek Australian community will be greatly missed.”

Labor senator and Catholic Kristina Keneally tweeted that she joined Harkianakis at Greek Easter celebrations. “My prayers and sympathy to the Australian Greek community,” tweeted Keneally. “He was a lovely, warm and wise leader.”

The funeral for Archbishop Stylianos will be held this Saturday, March 30 at the Cathedral of the “The Annunciation of our Lord” in Redfern, Sydney.