Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew blessed the official luncheon hosted by Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane on Thursday, expressing his joy over the establishment of the Holy Diocese of Brisbane—the first time the region has had a dedicated bishop. The Patriarch praised the faithful of Queensland for their devotion to the Church and Greek traditions and commended Bishop Bartholomew for his many gifts and leadership skills.
In his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that while the new Diocese of Brisbane and the other five Dioceses of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia represent a significant administrative change, they remain part of the unified Eparchy of the Ecumenical Throne. This restructuring was made necessary by the outdated nature of the previous 1959 Constitution, which no longer adequately served the needs of the Archdiocese. The new Constitution, approved by the Holy and Sacred Synod in August, was developed with significant effort and expertise from Archbishop Makarios, the Bishops, and specialists.
The Patriarch underscored that apostolic tradition not only encompasses dogmatic teachings, faith, and sacramental life, but also includes ecclesiastical administration and governance. He stressed that deviations from this tradition, especially towards secular standards, undermine the foundations of ecclesiology and threaten Church unity. The Ecumenical Patriarchate, therefore, accepted Archbishop Makarios’ proposed changes to ensure the Church remains faithful to its apostolic roots. The Patriarch reminded attendees that these reforms are not about power but about preserving the unity of the Church and preventing schisms, which have historically resulted from deviations from tradition.
Patriarch Bartholomew also acknowledged the privilege of living in Australia, a country of freedom, prosperity, and opportunity. However, he recognized the nostalgia for the homeland felt by the Greek Orthodox faithful, urging them to remain connected to their roots through the Church. “The Church is the Ark of Salvation, but also the Ark of preserving the values of the Nation,” he said. The Patriarch encouraged the faithful to maintain their traditions, language, and values while serving the Church with unwavering dedication, always praying for the Holy Great Church of Christ and the Patriarch.
Earlier, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane had expressed his respect and devotion to the Patriarch, marking a heartfelt beginning to the event.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
