Clayton Church: How the Clayton Community together with Archbishop Makarios healed a century long schism

·

The Victorian and Australian Greek Orthodox community celebrated a historical event today (Thursday 12/12) and yesterday (Wednesday (11/12), as Archbishop Makarios officially marked the end of the Holy Temple of St Spyridon’s (Clayton, VIC) schism from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. 

Clayton’s caution from entering the Archdiocese led to a social stigma that regarded people in the area to be labelled “schismatic”.

In October, the 99.5% of the members of Clayton’s church decided they were willing for their church to finally become part of the Australian Archdiocese.

The church’s change of position aligned with the admission of the new Archbishop, His Eminence Makarios.

The reason Clayton was so comfortable finally accepting the Archdiocese was because they were assured nothing would change about the current running of their church. The only change would be that the Archdiocese will have the title of the church. Their priest will remain the same, but be awarded tools from the Archdiocese to assist in his liturgies.

The Church saw new opportunities with Archbishop Makarios. They were assured that nothing would happen to the church while there are still Greek Orthodox members who attend.

The division from the Archdiocese created a bit of a rift in the community, with families who attended the churches of the Archdiocese not being able to attend weddings, christenings, funerals etc. that were held at Clayton’s St Spyridon church, due to the schism. 

The Greek community are mainly positive about the unification of the churches, as it was creating rifts between friends and families, as well as the wider Orthodox community.

His Eminence addressed the unification in a letter, which surrounded the topic of discontinuing the “mistakes of the past”.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

IHO NYX brings Greek Rock to centre stage in Sydney this weekend

As Sunday, April 6 approaches, all eyes are on IHO NYX, the band ready to electrify Sydney with a concert dedicated entirely to Greek Rock.

Party for a purpose: Support the Pontian House at the Winter Wonderland Gala 2025

The Pontian Association of NSW Pontoxeniteas will host its highly anticipated Winter Wonderland Gala 2025 on Saturday, May 31, at 6.30 PM.

‘Comedy Cartel’: A night of laughter at the Hellenic Club of Canberra

Get ready for a night of laughter and cultural celebration as Comedy Cartel makes its debut at the Hellenic Club of Canberra this June.

Cypriot courage remembered: Join the ANZAC Day March, keep their legacy alive 

On Anzac Day we commemorate the bravery and good deeds of Australian, New Zealand and Allied forces over many conflicts.

Orthodox Mission in Madagascar uplifted by Australian generosity

As Bishop Theophilos prepares to return to Madagascar, he issued a statement expressing his deep gratitude for the support and affection.

You May Also Like

Greek inspired dining room and bar ‘Topikos’ to open in former Bondi Beach Public Bar space

Bondi Beach is about to get a little Greeker with the addition of a new diner and bar inspired by the islands of Greece.

Major General Pearce signs off term as Cyprus’ first Australian Commander of the UN Peacekeeping force

January 2021 signals the end of Major General Cheryl Pearce's role as Force Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

Dendias: Greece to have strongest armed forces in history by 2030

Greece is on track to have the most powerful Armed Forces in its history by the conclusion of the 2030 Agenda. According to protothema.gr, speaking...