The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia concluded its extraordinary three-day session, held from 21 to 23 August 2025 in Sydney under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The meetings produced a number of significant announcements relating to ecclesiastical, pastoral, and international matters.
Return of icon of Saint Andrew
On its opening day, the Synod expressed “joy and satisfaction” at the favourable outcome of a protracted legal dispute over the ownership of an icon of Saint Andrew the Apostle.
According to a statement, the Archdiocese was forced to pursue the matter through both the Australian civil courts and the Greek criminal justice system, after the sacred relic was unlawfully claimed by another party.
Both courts confirmed the Archdiocese and its Consolidated Trust as the rightful custodians of the relic and ordered its return.
The Synod publicly thanked the Archdiocese’s legal counsel, Stylianos Katselis, for his “responsible, coordinated, and successful handling” of the case.
Triprosopa for new Bishops
On its second day, the Synod approved triprosopa (lists of three candidates) for the election of new Bishops. For the Holy Diocese of Canberra, the candidates are: Archdeacon Athinagoras Karakonstantakis, Archimandrite Amphilohios Papantoniou, and Hieromonk Nektarios Sitaras.
For the position of Assistant Bishop to the Archbishop, who will also serve as Chancellor of the Archdiocese and Vicar of the Immediate Archdiocesan District, the candidates are: Archimandrite Christophoros Krikelis, Archimandrite Amphilohios Papantoniou, and Archimandrite Eusebios Karavasios.
The lists will be forwarded to the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the canonical election process.
Mount Sinai Monastery and Canonical Permissions
On its final day, the Synod addressed international concerns, sending a letter through the Egyptian Embassy in Australia to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt. The letter conveyed the concern of Orthodox faithful in Australia regarding the preservation of the status of the Holy Monastery of Sinai and urged the authorities to respect its historic privileges.
The Synod also unanimously granted canonical permission to Panagiotis Kyriazopoulos to preach sermons during the Divine Liturgy, as well as in other services and ceremonies.
