On the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, 18 May 2025, Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who made a pastoral visit to Darwin, following the permission and blessing of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, elevated Father Christos Tsoraklidis, Parish Priest of the newly established Parish of Saint Savvas the New of Kalymnos, to Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne.
After reading the Patriarchal Letter of Benevolence, His Eminence extended his congratulations to the honoured cleric and praised him for his God-pleasing ministry to the local Church, as well as for his devotion to the Mother Church of Constantinople.
He particularly praised and thanked Fr. Christos for the tireless efforts he has made to achieve the goal of establishing a new Parish in the capital of the Northern Territory of Australia.
At the same time, the Archbishop pointed out that the office of Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, in addition to being a great honor, also represents a great responsibility for the clergy to whom it is bestowed.
Finally, expressing the certainty that Fr. Christos will prove worthy of the expectations of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, he wished that God would grant him health, strength and abundant blessings, so that he may contribute to the further spiritual flourishing of Orthodoxy in Northern Australia.
The honored cleric thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for this highest honor and promised that he will continue to strive for the progress of the Church and the salvation of people.
