The 2nd Pan-Australian Clergy Synaxis is being held in Sydney from September 29 to October 1, 2025, under the auspices of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. The central theme of the gathering is “Social Media and Priesthood: The Use of Social Media by the Clergy.”
The Synaxis opened on Monday morning, September 29, at the facilities of the Parish–Community of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah, with the blessing service (Agiasmos) officiated by Metropolitan Apostolos of Miletus, representative of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Abbot of the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of St. Anastasia the Pharmakolytria in Halkidiki.
Following the service, Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed the distinguished speakers and clergy participants. A recorded video message from the Ecumenical Patriarch was then screened, after which his representative, Metropolitan Apostolos, delivered a greeting and officially declared the Synaxis open.
Additional greetings were offered by Bishop Elpidios of Perth on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese of Australia, Archimandrite Miltiadis Chryssavgis on behalf of the local clergy, and Mr. Georgios Skemperis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, on behalf of the Hellenic Republic.
The opening keynote address was delivered by Archbishop Makarios of Australia on the topic “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Church.” At the conclusion of each presentation, speakers received questions and comments from participants, allowing for deeper reflection and dialogue on the issues presented.
