On Monday, October 7, 2024, during the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa in Mangrove, New South Wales, a Synaxis was held, gathering the monastic Brotherhoods of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia. The event included representatives from the Holy Monasteries of Panagia Pantanassa, Agios Georgios, Timios Prodromos, Timios Stavros, and Panagia Gorgoepikoos.
The Synaxis was attended by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, members of the Patriarchal Synod—including Metropolitans Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, Philotheos of Thessaloniki, Grand Protosyncellus Gregory, and Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios—as well as Metropolitans Ezekiel of Derbe and Seraphim of Sebastia. Also present were Bishops Elpidios of Perth, Siluan of Adelaide, Kyriakos of Melbourne, Eumenios of Chora, Bartholomew of Brisbane, Iakovos of Miletopolis, and Christodoulos of Magnesia.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios emphasized the deep pride of the local Church in its monastic communities, praising their “spiritual progress and prosperity, which is of primary importance, followed by numerical and material growth.” He highlighted the pivotal role of divine love in the life of a monk, describing it as “the quintessence of his life and the fulfillment of all needs and deprivations.”
Responding to the Archbishop, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew outlined the mission of Orthodox monasticism, emphasizing that “divine love should extend to both God and humanity, as the two cannot be separated.” He further noted that while the Church may occasionally accept other forms of monastic dedication apart from the Cenobitic tradition, “such practices are considered deviations from the true spirit of monasticism.”
He commended the monastic communities for their steadfastness and devotion, stating that “monasticism in the Holy Archdiocese of Australia is thriving, deeply rooted in traditional ecclesiastical principles and flourishing under the enlightened leadership of the chosen Elders and the guidance of Archbishop Makarios.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch concluded the Synaxis with words of encouragement, offering his “paternal and patriarchal wishes and blessings” to all present, and praying for “the grace and strength of our Lord in your monastic service.” His words were met with appreciation, marking a moment of unity and spiritual inspiration for the monastic communities of the Archdiocese.
