On Tuesday, April 29, the Holy Clergy serving in the Holy Diocese of Melbourne gathered with joy and reverence at the Archdiocesan Church of Saint Eustathios for the regular Clergy Assembly of the Diocese. Presided over by Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, the assembly welcomed clergy and monastics from across the Diocese for a day of theological reflection, spiritual renewal, and ecclesiastical unity.
The day began in prayer, with the clergy calling upon the grace of the Holy Spirit to guide the work of the Synaxis. Rooted in the ethos of the Church and the pastoral mission entrusted to every priest, the gathering provided a blessed opportunity for reflection and encouragement in their sacred ministry.
Bishop Kyriakos warmly welcomed the participants and conveyed the paternal blessings and unwavering love of Archbishop Makarios of Australia. “We are deeply moved by his constant care,” said the Bishop. “He blesses each of you and your families and assures you of his steadfast support. His tireless efforts for the good of the Holy Archdiocese are a beacon of faith and unity for us all.”
In his keynote address, Bishop Kyriakos spoke with spiritual depth about the sacred vocation of the priesthood, emphasizing that it is not merely a title but a profound calling to serve Christ in the hearts of the faithful. “The priest is a servant,” he reminded, “not above the people, but among them—called to share in their joys and sorrows, to offer the comfort of the Gospel, and to be a vessel of God’s mercy.”
Reflecting on the recent meeting of the Holy Eparchial Synod in Sydney, which took place under the presidency of Archbishop Makarios, Bishop Kyriakos highlighted the importance of canonical order and pastoral cooperation. “Our Church advances not through division but through unity and obedience,” he stressed. “His Eminence has laid a solid canonical foundation that shapes a dynamic and faith-filled future for Orthodoxy in Australia.”
The central theme of the assembly—“The Body of Christ: A Place of Welcome for All People”—underscored the Church’s mission of inclusion and healing. Drawing from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians (12:25–26), the Bishop delved into the mystery of the Church as the living Body of Christ: “…that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one is honored, all rejoice together.” He reminded all present that “no member is unnecessary; all are needed, all are loved and embraced in Christ.”
This spirit of inclusion continued with the reading of a profound article by Archdeacon John Chryssavgis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, addressing ministry to the faithful with special needs and offering deep, compassionate reflections on Christ-centered pastoral care.
The conversation was further enriched by invited guest speakers. Mrs. Mary Gakopoulos, CEO of Agapi Care, addressed the clergy on how to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of Orthodox Christians living with disabilities. Agapi Care is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families through residential services, community support, and advocacy. She emphasized the indispensable role of the clergy in creating welcoming parish environments where everyone can fully participate in the life of the Church.
The Bishop then welcomed Mr. Steven Tsalikidis and Mr. John Maggos, representatives of Windsor Management, who offered a practical presentation on administrative and financial matters related to parish life. Their topics included risk management, duty of care, and ensuring accessibility and safety within church facilities. Their specialized insights provided invaluable assistance to clergy balancing pastoral and administrative responsibilities in their communities.
The Clergy Assembly concluded with a fraternal luncheon, where priests shared reflections in a spirit of fellowship and gratitude. Expressing their appreciation to Bishop Kyriakos for his loving guidance, one attending priest noted: “This Synaxis reminded us not only of our pastoral duty, but of the deep bonds of brotherhood that unite us. It was a blessed occasion, full of unity—one Church, one faith, one love.”
