Dr. Olga Sarantopoulos, SAE Secretary visited on December 18, 2004 Harare, Zimbabwe following an invitation of the Hellenic Community of Harare. The visit followed the presentation at the SAE Board of a report of problems and concerns of Hellenes in the countries of Asia and Africa. At a meeting she had at Harare with representatives of Hellenic Communities and Associations and the Greek Ambassador Mr. Vasilis Karantonis, Ms. Sarantopoulos was updated on the situation and the problems of Hellenes living in the area. It was decided to urgently proceed to a recording of all those who are in need for financial, medical and humanitarian aid. It is worth mentioning that pensions in Zimbabwe are just 20 cents per month (10 years ago US $1= $1 Zimbabwe while today US $1= $8.500 Zimbabwe).
At the same meeting Ms. Sarantopoulou discussed issues relevant to education, nationality and army service for youth.
Dr. Olga Sarantopoulos attended on December 19, 2004 then enthronement of the new Metropolitan of Zimbabwe, Georgios in the presence of the Pope & Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, Theodoros BοΏ½. Also present were, the Ambassador of Greece, Mr. Vasilis Karantonis, the Ambassador of Cyprus, Mr. Konstantinos Leontiou, the Ambassadors of Russia and Egypt, member of the Diplomatic Service, the Presidents of the Hellenic Communities and Associations, Mr. A. Antoniadis, President of the Federation of Hellenic Communities of Zimbabwe, the President of Cephalonitians, the Representative of the Coordinating Council of SAE Asia-Africa, Mr. Panayiotis Manikas and Ms. Koula Kosiavelou, representative of the Hellenic Associations of Australia.
During the enthronement, the Patriarch honored the President of the Hellenic Community of Harare and Suburbs, Mr. Ioannis Stouyiannidis with the Holy Cross of the Apostle and Evangelist Markos, for his contribution and efforts for Hellenism and the Church. The same honor was also awarded to the Greek Ambassador, Mr. Vasilis Karantonis.

At the reception that followed the enthronement, Dr. Olga Sarantopoulou conveyed the regards of SAE President, Mr. Andrew A. Athens and SAE Board to the Patriarch and congratulated the new Metropolitan of Zimbabwe, Georgios Vladimiros.
SAE Secretary stressed the fact that SAEοΏ½s goal is to embrace all Hellenes, to promote the problems of Hellenes Abroad around the world and to present solutions. From now on SAE will be by the side of Hellenes in Africa in order for them no to feel that they are forgotten. Dr. Sarantopoulos also noted that following a proposal of SAE Vice-President and Regional Coordinator for Asia-Africa, Mr. Vasilis Magdalinos and the RegionοΏ½s Coordinating Council, an immediate action plan will be prepared. Finally, SAE Secretary wished for a unified and coordinated cooperation among the Church, Hellenic Associations and Communities, Hellenic Embassies and SAE, in order to preserve and promote Hellenism, the Hellenic values and Orthodoxy.

 Dr. Sarantopoulos thanked Mr. Stouyiannidis, President of the Hellenic Community of Harare and Suburbs for his kind invitation.
SAE Secretary also met with the Patriarch and the new Metropolitan to discuss all the above mentioned issues.