In an atmosphere of deep emotion, on Sunday, October 6, the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese of Australia convened in a ceremonial session under the presidency of the head of the Orthodox Church, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia addressed the Ecumenical Patriarch with words of filial gratitude, assuring him, among other things, that “we deeply recognize this benefaction of the Mother Church towards the Holy Archdiocese, a benefaction not just ordinary but groundbreaking and enduring, one that has fundamentally transformed the Local Church and laid the unshakeable foundations for its prosperous journey into its second century.” He further emphasized, “The establishment of synodality is a “challenge,” to use a contemporary expression, for our Holy Archdiocese, to which we are all dedicated.”
In his exhortatory address, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew outlined the process of preparation, review, and approval of the new Charter of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, which includes the introduction of a synodal administrative system for the local Church. Concluding his remarks, he observed that “today marks the beginning of a new chapter, a new century, with the establishment of the Eparchial Synod and the creation of dioceses as its resources.” He added, “And you, most reverend brothers, are the first inheritors and stewards of this great gift from the Great Church, and as such, you bear a weighty responsibility towards both the Church and history.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized to the Synod members that “today the Church entrusts you with a greater mission,” offering them fatherly counsel for the exemplary fulfillment of this charge. “The Holy Eparchial Synod is the guarantor of the unity of the Local Church through the person of the Archbishop, who remains the sole Shepherd of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, as without the Primus, synodality dangerously falters,” he noted. “It is the unbroken unity of the Body of Bishops that offers the faithful an example of unity and obedience to the Church,” he highlighted at another point.
“Remain until your last breath true to the sacred and traditional, study with devotion and obedience the precepts of our Holy Church, and emulate the love and dedication of your Archbishop and Elder to the venerable and sacred institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,” the Patriarch urged in conclusion, and gave his paternal and patriarchal blessing for the commencement of the Eparchial Synod’s work, wishing abundant Grace and enlightenment from the Holy Spirit upon its President and members.
It is noted that, in commemoration of this splendid day, the Ecumenical Patriarch presented the Holy Eparchial Synod with a Holy Gospel, while the Archbishop and President of the Synod reciprocated by bestowing upon His All-Holiness the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ-Loving with Star. Subsequently, a similar honor was presented by the Patriarch, on behalf of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, to the accompanying Hierarchs, Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, and Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki.
Additionally, the Medal of the Senior Commander of the Order of Christ-Loving was presented by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the Bishops who are members of the Holy Eparchial Synod, along with the other attending Hierarchs. Those honored included the Grand Protosyncellus of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archimandrite Gregory, the Grand Ecclesiarch and Director of the Private Patriarchal Office, Archimandrite Aetios, the Protosyncellus of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, the Patriarchal Deacon Evlogios, Abbess Iakovia of the Holy Monastery of St. John the Forerunner in Akritochori, the Archdeacon of the Holy Archdiocese, the Archon Teacher of the Nation, Mr. Konstantinos Delikostantis, the Archon Teacher of the Church, Mr. Theodoros Giangos, a Professor of Canon Law at the Theological School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a member of the drafting committee for the recently approved new Charter of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, as well as Mr. Themistoklis Karanikolas, from the Patriarchate’s staff.
Before the conclusion of the Synod session, the Archbishop expressed his gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
