New regional Greek Orthodox Bishops have been appointed for Australia following a meeting of the Holy and Sacred Synod on Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17.
The meeting was chaired by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
During the meeting and at the request of Archbishop Makarios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA), the Holy and Sacred Synod established the Dioceses of Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Chora (previously known as the District of Northcote).
Regional Greek Orthodox Bishops were also appointed to look over these Dioceses. They are:
- Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis as Regional Bishop of Melbourne
- Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea as Regional Bishop of Perth
- Bishop Silouan of Sinope as Regional Bishop of Adelaide
- Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis as Regional Bishop of Brisbane
- Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta as Regional Bishop of Chora
According to a Communiqué following the meeting, these Diocese were created “in order to enhance the pastoral care of the Orthodox faithful in Australia.”
This decision of the Holy and Sacred Synod comes after the GOAA updated its governance structure in February 2024.
The GOAA is now governed on the basis of a Holy Eparchial Synod, with Archbishop Makarios as President. Its members will be his active Auxiliary Bishops in their capacity as “Regional Bishops.” There are no specific details yet as to how the Holy Eparchial Synod will work in Australia.
