The 9th of May 2020 marks one year since the day when Bishop Makarios of Christoupolis, assistant of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, was unanimously elected at the Orthodox Greek Archdiocese of Australia.
Archbishop Makarios gave an interview to the newspaper Ethnikos Kirikas and talked about his future plans. He said that he was deeply moved by the fact that it had been a year since the election and that at the same time he was grateful to God for his great contribution. He said that he was also grateful to the Ecumenical Patriarch and to the Synodal Hierarchs, who honoured him with their votes.
He pointed out that since the day of his election there was a spontaneous and genuine enthusiasm which he considered a gift from the Holy Spirit. He stressed that, after a year in which he had literally visited every part of Australia, he would soon officially submit his proposals on the future administrative steps of the Archdiocese: “We have no debt so far,” he said.
Moreover, he is spiritually concerned about the schisms in Australia and added that he had some discussions with several schismatic communities: “The Ecumenical Patriarchate supports me and helps me considerably. The unity of the Greek Orthodox in Australia is not only my own vision but also the vision of the Ecumenical Patriarch, who is interested in the discussions with the schismatic communities. It is something that gives me strength,” he added.
The Archbishop of Australia also spoke of the Greek community in Australia: “They are good people, loyal and participate in the church services. They are ambitious, hardworking, and carry on our traditions.” As for his plans for the next five years, he pointed out, “We intend to hold big events in 2024 for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Archdiocese of Australia. In the meantime, the renovation of the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia is about to be completed.”
In addition, he announced the construction and the purchase of new buildings to accommodate the Theological School, which has been operating at the premises of the Archdiocese all this time. He also said that they did not have recourse to the School’s reserve fund for the construction project. “We are moving forward in the same spirit in terms of the construction of two rehabilitation centres in Melbourne and Sydney,” he said.
“One of my greatest concerns is to ensure that the clergy of the Archdiocese will be paid,” he added. It is noteworthy that there was no income when the churches were closed due to the pandemic. The pandemic did not only financially affect the parishes but also the Archdiocese itself regarding the salaries of the clergy and the church staff.
“We are experiencing now a different situation. But the Church is moving forward with confidence. We carry on with zeal, love and enthusiasm. We are all together, the clergy and the people. Let us worship the Lord, the Creator of the Church,” he concluded.