The Holy and Sacred Synod, chaired by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, convened on Tuesday, July 16, and Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
During these meetings, several significant decisions were made to enhance the pastoral care of Orthodox believers in Australia, following a request from Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Among the notable decisions, the Synod established the Dioceses of Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Chora. This restructuring aims to provide better shepherding for the Orthodox faithful across Australia.
The newly elected Chorbishops are as follows:
Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis as Chorbishop of Melbourne
Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea as Chorbishop of Perth
Bishop Silouan of Sinope as Chorbishop of Adelaide
Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis as Chorbishop of Brisbane
Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta as Chorbishop of Chora
In addition to these matters, the Synod addressed the cases of Presbyters Theodore Alamanos and Mark Munoz. Both were defrocked and returned to the ranks of the laity due to ecclesiastical misconduct.
The Synod also thoroughly reviewed all other matters on the agenda and made the necessary decisions to address them effectively.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
