The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA), presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, concluded its regular session for the Pentecostarion period on 25 April 2025.
The Synod reviewed and approved agenda items, including the ratification of previous minutes and the endorsement of several key initiatives.
The Synod acknowledged two significant international honours awarded to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: his election as a permanent member of the French Academy and his receipt of the prestigious Templeton Prize. These distinctions, the Synod noted, reflect global recognition of the Patriarch’s leadership and his contributions to elevating the Orthodox Church worldwide.
The Synod also expressed condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, highlighting his simplicity, humility, wisdom, and commitment to Orthodox-Catholic friendship. Letters were sent to Vatican Nuncio in Australia, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo and local Roman Catholic archbishops in Australia.
During the session, the English translation of the Constitution of the GOAA was thoroughly reviewed and unanimously approved. It will be submitted to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for formal consideration.
Canonical permission to preach during the Divine Liturgy and other services was granted to Dr. Philip Kariatlis and ten additional laypersons from the Archdiocesan Districts of Melbourne and Chora.
The Synod also reviewed the progress of the “Our People, Their Stories” project, launched by Patriarch Bartholomew during his visit to Australia last October.
It was also unveiled that in celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, St. Andrew’s Theological College, in cooperation with the New South Wales Ecumenical Council of Churches, will host an international academic conference titled “Nicaea at 1700: A Council for the Ages?” on 22–23 August 2025 in Sydney.
The anniversary will culminate in a Synodal Divine Liturgy on 24 August, presided over by Archbishop Makarios.
