The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA), held from October 22 to 24 under the chairmanship of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, has concluded.
According to an announcement by the Synod, a number of key decisions were made during the three days of deliberations.
- A committee was formed to translate the GOAA’s new Constitution into English. Once finalised, the translation will be reviewed by the Synod before being submitted to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for approval.
- Several Synodal Committees were established, covering topics from interfaith relations to legal and canonical issues, the youth, and philanthropic institutions, among many others.
- Episcopal Courts were created for each diocese (Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Chora), appointing members for various regions.
- It was resolved that only clergy will be allowed to preach in the Church. Laypeople may only preach in exceptional cases, and this requires written permission from the Synod.
- The Synod expressed gratitude to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his recent visit to Australia.
The Holy Synod said it will issue an Encyclical to be read at Greek Orthodox churches across Australia this coming Sunday, October 27, 2024.
Source: Orthodox Times.
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