The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia Inc. (GOCSA) has announced an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to be held at 2pm on Sunday, October 27, at the Olympic Hall, located at 288 Franklin Street, Adelaide.
The EGM will focus on several key motions that could significantly shape the future of the organisation. No other business will be conducted at this meeting.
Key agenda items
1. Proposed Amendment to the Constitution:
A significant point on the agenda is the proposal to amend the Constitution of GOCSA by adding new articles related to the real estate of the association. The proposed amendment aims to introduce ‘Articles 29 to 33: Real Estate of the Association.’ Members will be asked to review and, if deemed appropriate, approve this change.
The proposed Articles 29 to 33 focus on managing the sale, transfer, and use of real estate assets owned by the GOCSA, particularly its churches.
- Article 29 defines key terms such as “the Association’s Churches” (including specific named churches and any future properties) and “the Association’s Quarantined Assets” (which refers to significant real estate and other high-value assets).
- Article 30 outlines the conditions for selling or transferring these quarantined assets. This can only occur if: GOCSA’s Council confirms the sale or transfer is at fair market value and in the best interests of the Association; At least 75% of financial members at a General Meeting support the sale or transfer; The resolution to support a sale or transfer may be valid for 12 months and extendable.
- Article 31 specifies how proceeds from asset sales are to be used. Funds must go toward: Purchasing new real estate or business assets; Maintenance, improvements, or development of current properties; Repaying loans related to the purchase or improvement of assets.
- Article 32 allows the Association to mortgage its real estate assets, despite restrictions on sales and transfers.
- Article 33 prohibits major alterations that prevent churches from being used for public worship without approval. Any proposed changes require 75% support from financial members at a General Meeting, with a 21-day notice period provided.
These articles aim to safeguard GOCSA’s real estate and ensure that decisions regarding its assets are made with community-wide support.
2. Proposed Motion to Resign from the Autocephalic Greek Orthodox Church of America and Australia (Autocephalic Church) and Enter into Agreement with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA):
A pivotal moment in the community’s history may come with the proposal to withdraw GOCSA’s membership from the Autocephalic Church and enter into a formal agreement with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. This motion will be presented as a single resolution, which, if passed, will initiate GOCSA’s transition. Additionally, any future decision to exit this agreement would require approval from at least 75% of the votes cast by the financial members of GOCSA. Furthermore, the resolution contains a clause prohibiting the sale or alteration of the association’s churches for five years from the date of passing.
3. Proposed Motion on the Interpretation of ‘Orthodox Faith’ and ‘Greek Orthodox Faith’
Another item of importance is the proposal concerning the interpretation of the terms ‘Orthodox Faith’ and ‘Greek Orthodox Faith’ under Article 2B of the GOCSA Constitution. This motion seeks to establish a process by which the community, by a vote requiring 75% approval, may determine the interpretation of these terms. The resolution, if passed, will affirm GOCSA’s alignment with the doctrine, discipline, and practices of the Greek Orthodox Church as set by the Seven Ecumenical Synods and the rulings of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
This EGM represents a significant moment in the history of the GOCSA. It will provide an opportunity for members to vote on the future of their faith community and its alignment within the broader structure of the Greek Orthodox Church.
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