The successful organization of the 2nd Pan-Australian Clergy Assembly culminated in a Synodal and Concelebrated Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah, Sydney, on the morning of Wednesday, October 1.
During the Assembly, inspiring presentations focused on the timely theme: “Social Media and the Priesthood: The Use of Social Media by Clergy.” These presentations fostered constructive theological dialogue and spiritually strengthened the clergy and monastic communities of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
After the Synodal and Concelebrated Hierarchical Divine Liturgy concluded, Archbishop Makarios of Australia offered an initial reflection on this significant event in the life of the local church. He emphasized that, in addition to providing spiritual benefits for priests, monks, and nuns, the All-Australian Clergy Assembly offered them the invaluable opportunity to communicate with one another, with the Bishops, and with their shepherd. This was a particularly meaningful experience for clergy serving in remote regions of Australia and for younger priests who may not yet be acquainted with all members of the local clergy.
The Archbishop expressed heartfelt gratitude to the guests of the Holy Archdiocese, whose presence illuminated the Clergy Assembly. These guests included the representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch; the Metropolitan of Miletus; the Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Saint Anastasia the Pharmakolytria in Halkidiki; the Metropolitans of Demetrias and Almyros; Cameroon; Nea Krini and Kalamaria; Chicago; New Zealand; and Aetolia and Acarnania; the Protosyncellus of the Holy Metropolis of Larissa and Tyrnavos; the Elder of the Cell of Saint John Chrysostom of the Koutloumousian Skete on Mount Athos; and the Hierologist Fotios Poulopoulos.
At the request of the Archbishop of Australia, the Divine Word was preached by Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias and Almyros. Addressing the large congregation, he elaborated on the ninth article of the Creed regarding the “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church,” drawing connections to his personal experiences in Australia and his engagement with the local Orthodox faithful.
He praised the Holy Archdiocese of Australia’s outward-looking nature, which exemplifies the Church’s universality and catholicity. “You have succeeded in being a church open to all people, as Christ desires,” he noted. Referring to the catholicity of the Orthodox Church, he mentioned the revered Ecumenical Patriarch and Mother Church of Constantinople. “The Mother of all Churches is indeed the Ecumenical Patriarchate,” he affirmed, adding: “Hold this as a unique treasure, for it enables us to have a church that reaches all people.”
At another point in his address, the Metropolitan praised the preservation of Greek Orthodox traditions in Australia, encouraging everyone to remain rooted in their heritage and the spiritual legacy passed down from their ancestors. He also expressed confidence in the spiritual guidance that Archbishop Makarios provides to the faithful of the local church. “God has blessed you with an archbishop who is a man of wisdom, prudence, and vision,” he said, highlighting Makarios’s unifying spirit and tireless efforts for the spiritual welfare of his flock.
During the Synodal and Concelebrated Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, it should be noted that Archbishop Makarios was joined by the visiting hierarchs, clergy, and monastics, as well as the Bishops of Australia: Elpidios of Perth, Silouanos of Adelaide, Kyriakos of Melbourne, Eumenios of Chora, Bartholomaios of Brisbane, Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Christodoulos of Magnisia, and Christoforos of Kerasounta. Clergy and monastics from all the Holy Sees of Australia were also present.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
