The 3rd International Bioethics Conference of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, dedicated to the theme of “Euthanasia,” concluded on Sunday, 26 October 2025, in Rethymno, Crete, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia at the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of the Holy Cross Vosakos.
Organised by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in cooperation with the Holy Metropolis of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, the three-day conference brought together theologians, philosophers, scientists, and medical experts to examine one of the most complex moral and spiritual issues of the modern era – euthanasia – through the lens of Orthodox theology, philosophy, medicine, and law.
The final session, titled “Euthanasia: Experiences, Dilemmas, and Challenges,” featured key speakers including Metropolitan Nikolaos of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki (addressing via video link), Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, and Dr Agamemnon Bakakos, who each explored the subject from theological, ethical, and scientific perspectives.
The discussions reaffirmed the Church’s pastoral duty to uphold the sanctity of life while engaging in sincere dialogue with the medical and academic community.
On Sunday, Archbishop Makarios presided over the closing liturgy, concelebrated by Metropolitans Myron and Prodromos, and Bishops Kyriakos of Melbourne and Athenagoras of Canberra, in the presence of clergy, delegates, and a large congregation. In his homily, Metropolitan Myron reflected on the sacredness of human life and the hope offered through faith.
Following the liturgy, the conference concluded with a formal session in the monastery’s Synod Hall. Local civic leaders extended greetings before Metropolitan Prodromos presented the Conference Conclusions, which were unanimously adopted by the delegates.
In his closing address, Archbishop Makarios of Australia expressed heartfelt gratitude to Metropolitan Prodromos and the organisers, conveying the blessings and paternal greetings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Archbishop Makarios underscored the significance of continued theological and ethical engagement on bioethical issues, emphasising that the Church’s mission is to uphold life, compassion, and communion with God as the essence of human dignity.
The day concluded with an official luncheon hosted by the monastery’s abbot, Archimandrite Timotheos Panayiotakis.
