The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) experienced profound moments of spiritual joy and emotion over the weekend, as two of its clergymen were elevated to the episcopacy in Sydney.
On Friday, September 26, His Grace Bishop-elect Athinagoras of Canberra was ordained to the priesthood by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern. The cathedral was filled to capacity with hierarchs, clergy and faithful, gathered to witness the moving ceremony.
Among those present were His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of Miletus, Abbot of the Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Saint Anastasia Pharmakolytria, representing His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew; His Eminence Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand; and the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod of Australia – Their Graces Bishops Elpidios of Perth, Silouan of Adelaide, Kyriakos of Melbourne, Evmenios of Chora and Bartholomew of Brisbane – as well as clergy, Archons and community representatives.
‘You gave every ounce of your youth to serve’
Addressing the ordinand, Archbishop Makarios expressed both emotion and gratitude for their six years of close collaboration. “Your worthy and deserved promotion means that the Archbishop is deprived of a valuable member of his close circle, an irreplaceable and absolutely devoted collaborator,” he said.
He praised his humility and obedience, recalling his decision to abandon a promising academic career in the United States to enter monastic life at the Holy Monastery of Saint George Epanosifi in Crete.
“You did not simply follow me here to the fifth continent, but you gave every ounce of your youth to serve the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and my humble person with unmatched devotion, diligence, and consistency, never once seeking recognition or honours,” Archbishop Makarios said.
The Archbishop urged him to embody divine love in his ministry, reminding him that “the world needs not a love that is merely emotional – shallow, changeable, and fleeting – but divine love… to be love, that is, to put himself in the place of the other.”
‘Axios’ resounds in Sydney
The following morning, Saturday, September 27, the cathedral was again filled as the faithful joyfully proclaimed “Axios!” during Bishop Athinagoras’ episcopal ordination, celebrated by Archbishop Makarios and concelebrated by hierarchs from Greece, Africa, the United States and the Pacific.
In his exhortation, Archbishop Makarios reflected on Bishop Athinagoras’ journey from monasticism to his service as Archdeacon and Director of Finance, commending his decision to follow Christ over worldly success.
He encouraged the new Bishop of Canberra to remain humble, sincere, and grounded in truth. “Love the truth if you wish to gain the peace of your soul,” he advised. “Let your sole concern be to magnify Christ.”
In his response, Bishop Athinagoras expressed gratitude to his Archbishop “for the inexhaustible and unconditional love you have shown me from the very first moment of our acquaintance,” pledging to dedicate his ministry to the service of Christ and His Church.
The ordination drew numerous dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis.
Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta ordained
On Sunday, September 28, the Cathedral once again filled for the ordination of His Grace Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta, who has served as Chancellor and Director of the Archbishop’s Office.
Presiding over the Poly-Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Makarios was joined by visiting Metropolitans Ignatios of Demetrias, Gregorios of Cameroon, Ioustinos of Nea Krini, Nathanael of Chicago, and Myron of New Zealand, along with the Bishops of the Holy Eparchial Synod and numerous clergy.
In his address, the Archbishop compared Bishop Christophoros’ calling to that of the Prophet Isaiah: “Here I am, Lord, send me.” He praised his dedication and character, highlighting that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew had described him as “one of the most prudent clergymen I have met in my life.”
“These words of our Patriarch,” Archbishop Makarios said, “are not only praise but also a legacy. Do not lose the sensitivity of your heart. Remain prudent, wise, and sensitive.”
He urged the new Bishop to always remain faithful to the Ecumenical Patriarchate: “Always turn your gaze there, to the shores of the Bosphorus, to behold the precious Person of our Patriarch and to learn what ethos, struggle, and sacrifice mean… what it means not only to live in the Church, but to live for the Church and for Christ.”
Bishop Christophoros, in turn, thanked his Geronda for sowing “in my soul the seed of total dedication to Christ,” promising “the obedience of a loving and devoted son.”
A weekend of joy and renewal
The ordinations of Bishops Athinagoras and Christophoros mark a historic moment for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The resounding acclamation of “Axios” throughout the Cathedral echoed the deep faith and unity of Australia’s Orthodox faithful, as two new shepherds begin their ministry to the Church and its people.
