The regular session of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese of Australia for the Pentecostarion period was successfully completed on Thursday, April 25, 2025. The Synod, chaired by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, convened on April 24–25 at the headquarters of the Archdiocese.
Following the inaugural prayer, the minutes of the previous session were ratified, and the Synod proceeded to examine the agenda, adopting appropriate resolutions on the matters discussed.
With profound emotion, the Synod was informed of the two recent international distinctions bestowed upon His Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: his election as a permanent member of the French Academy and his reception of the prestigious Templeton Prize in the United States. The Synod expressed feelings of pride and deep gratitude toward the Patriarch, noting that through his person, the Orthodox Church and every Orthodox Christian are honored.
On the occasion of the passing of Pope Francis, the Holy Synod sent letters of condolence to Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, and to the Roman Catholic Archbishops across the continent. The Synod praised the late Pontiff for his simplicity, humility, and friendly disposition toward the Orthodox Church, expressing the hope that his successor will continue in the same spirit.
During the session, the English translation of the Constitution of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, submitted through Archbishop Makarios to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, was reviewed and unanimously approved.
Additionally, the Synod unanimously resolved to grant canonical permission to clergy and laity for the preaching of the divine word within the Holy Temples during the Divine Liturgy and other sacred services.
The Synod was also updated on the significant progress of the program “Our People, Their Stories”, which was inaugurated by the Ecumenical Patriarch during his visit to Australia last October. The program has received remarkable public engagement, with 2.9 million page views recorded over the last quarter, demonstrating the enthusiastic response and support of the faithful.
Finally, it was announced that St. Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney, in collaboration with the Council of Churches of New South Wales, will host an international academic conference titled “Nicaea at 1700: A Council for the Ages?” on August 22–23, 2025, under the auspices of the Holy Eparchial Synod. Celebrations will culminate on Sunday, August 24, with a Synodal Divine Liturgy presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
