On Monday, July 22, the Archdiocesan Council of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia convened in Sydney, chaired by Archbishop Makarios of Australia. The primary focus of the meeting was the upcoming Apostolic Visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Australia, scheduled for October 4-19. The Council meticulously reviewed and made decisions regarding the preparations for the reception and hospitality of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
In addition, the Archdiocesan Council expressed profound gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Holy and Sacred Synod for their beneficial decisions supporting the Orthodox Church in Australia. These decisions include the establishment of six Holy Dioceses and the formation of a Holy Eparchial Synod. Archbishop Makarios, with joy and gratitude, thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for his unwavering and philanthropic paternal interest in the ecclesiastical province and the Christian people of Australia. The Council members unanimously recognized these historical events, part of the approval of the new Constitution of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, as pivotal for the Archdiocese’s progress, unity, and future development.
The Archdiocesan Council also welcomed the newly appointed Chorebishops: Elpidios of Perth, Silouan of Adelaide, Kyriakos of Melbourne, Evmenios of Chora, and Bartholomew of Brisbane. The Council extended their best wishes for a fruitful ministry, for the glory of God and the benefit of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. Earlier, the Council members attended the emotional and joyous reading of the election results (mega minima) of the new Chorebishops at the Church of St. Spyridon in Kingsford.
Moreover, the Archdiocesan Council unanimously expressed its trust in the Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarch, and the Archbishop of Australia. They firmly believe that the future of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia can only be secured by adhering to the Holy Canons, which do not permit the administration of ecclesiastical affairs by laypeople.
Lastly, the Archdiocesan Council expressed its gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for dedicating the 2024 Calendar to the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
Translation by: Konstantinos Menyktas