The funeral service for the late Bishop of Christianopolis, Paul, was held on Monday, September 23, at the Church of St. George the Trophy Bearer in Adelaide, amidst a crowd filled with deep emotion. Presiding over the service was Archbishop Makarios of Australia, accompanied by Bishops Siluan of Adelaide and Evmenios of Chora, along with a large number of clergy and faithful.
During his heartfelt eulogy, Archbishop Makarios recounted the life and ministry of the late Bishop Paul, tracing his journey from his birthplace in Arta, Epirus, through his theological studies at the Theological School of Halki, and his service in the Holy Metropolis of Demetrias and Almyros. He also highlighted Bishop Paul’s significant role in the Parish of the Holy Trinity in Melbourne and his final years in Adelaide, which he referred to as the “city of churches,” where Bishop Paul departed for eternity on September 17, 2024.
Focusing on the Bishop’s ministry in the Holy Archdiocese of Australia since 1970, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the late Bishop Paul’s time as the Hierarchical Head of Holy Trinity Richmond in Melbourne, noting, “He was appreciated and loved by our expatriates, who arrived in hundreds in Melbourne during those challenging years of immigration.”
Archbishop Makarios summarized the Bishop’s legacy with the following: “This is the precious legacy that Bishop Paul of Christianopolis has left us. It is in this aspect of his life that we must focus, leaving aside past grievances. His tears of repentance and the great love of our Patriarch have wiped away these divisions.” He further emphasized, “For the mistakes and weaknesses of the past, only Christ has the right to judge. Bishop Paul’s life teaches us the power of repentance and forgiveness, and the greatness of the Holy Great Church of Christ, which heals wounds with love and forgiveness.”
Representing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Makarios conveyed the Patriarch’s heartfelt condolences and blessings to the Bishops of Adelaide and Chora, to the family of the late Hierarch, his spiritual children, and the faithful of Adelaide. He also highlighted the dedication and contribution of the Kanaris family, who cared for and hosted Bishop Paul with great respect over the past thirty years. Special thanks were extended to Anna Kanari, with a prayer that God would repay her family for their love and respect toward the late Bishop.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
