The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) has issued a statement following the recent resignation of Bishop Emilianos of Meloa.
Bishop Emilianos of Meloa formally resigned from the GOAA on Monday, June 3, during a meeting of Bishops from across Australia, which was held in Sydney under the presidency of Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The resignation came amid tension between the GOAA and Bishop Emilianos since March 2023. The Bishop had first submitted a letter of resignation – marked as a “first draft” – to Archbishop Makarios on March 10, 2023, outlining four reasons behind his decision, whilst suggesting there were more.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 21, the GOAA, Archbishop, and Bishops said they “firmly deny the claims made in the alleged resignation letter.”
The statement added that the GOAA “remains steadfast in its mission to support the spiritual upliftment of Orthodox Christians in the country, providing moral and material assistance, and fostering the Christian way of life as is proper and required.”
