The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has announced the passing of Bishop Paul of Christianoupolis on Tuesday, September 17.
Under the leadership of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Synod has arranged for the funeral service to take place at the Church of St George in Adelaide on Monday, September 23, at 11 am, with burial to follow at Centennial Park Cemetery in Pasadena, Adelaide.
Bishop Paul, born Apostolos Laios in Arta on June 30, 1938, studied theology at the prestigious Theological School of Halki, graduating in 1962. He initially served as the General Hierarchical Vicar of the Holy Metropolis of Demetrias until 1970 when he emigrated to Australia. In Australia, he became the hierarchical head of the Holy Trinity Church in Richmond, Victoria.
Elected as Bishop of the once-prominent Diocese of Christianoupolis, he served as an assistant bishop to Archbishop Stylianos of Australia. He was ordained on March 11, 1984, during the Sunday of Orthodoxy at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Redfern, Sydney.
In 1994, Bishop Paul seceded from the Church, resulting in his defrocking by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. However, on June 12, 2019, the Holy and Sacred Synod reinstated him to the episcopal rank after accepting his repentance and apology, due to the advocacy of Archbishop Makarios.
Following his reinstatement, Bishop Paul resided in Adelaide, having reconciled with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. He passed away after several months of illness, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and service to the Church.
Source: Orthodox Times.
