The two new hierarchs of the church elected by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate were congratulated by Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Archbishop Makarios, who, these days, is in Constantinople, wished to Metropolitan Seraphim of Sebasteia and Metropolitan Nikandros of Irenopolis, a long and thriving high priesthood “for the glory of Christ and the Church”.
The moment when the Archbishop, before the Ecumenical Patriarch and the two new Metropolitans said, “The promotion of these two Brethren is worthy and just,” was really moving.
“I am pleased with this development and I call on the brothers to continue to stay with me for as long as they want. Australia has been and will continue to be their home,” the Primate of Australia said.
The new Metropolitans, moved, gratefully thanked the Archbishop for his love and promised that they would continue to contribute in every way to the progress and unity of the Archdiocese of Australia.
Finally, Archbishop Makarios offered them an engolpion and a cross with the request to commemorate him, the clergy and the people in their prayers.
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia