In a statement released this week, the Archdiocese said the Tripartite Court of Appeal of Thrace (civil jurisdiction) delivered its decision (Judgment No. 88/2025) on 4 November 2025, bringing the judicial process to a close.
According to the Archdiocese, the Court ruled that a series of Facebook posts made by Ms Morali on her personal account from August 2020 until recently “were, to her knowledge, false, untrue and defamatory.”
The posts were found to be insulting and offensive toward Archbishop Makarios, as well as other individuals and institutions associated with the Archdiocese of Australia.
The Court ordered Ms Morali to remove the specific posts, publish a summary of the court’s decision, pay monetary compensation, and refrain from making similar or related offensive or defamatory statements in the future.
The defamation case stemmed from social media posts published approximately four years ago, which related to the production of a documentary tribute to the late Archbishop Stylianos, as well as public allegations made against Archbishop Makarios concerning financial and moral matters.
In its statement, the Archdiocese said the ruling marked the culmination of legal proceedings that had followed repeated conduct by the defendant, despite efforts by Archbishop Makarios to avoid court action.
The Archdiocese added that, while the Archbishop was obliged to defend both the institution he represents and the broader integrity of the Church, he continues to pray for those experiencing “spiritual confusion and turmoil.”
The ruling is final under Greek civil law, concluding the matter before the courts.
The Parish of Saint Spyridon in Kingsford, Sydney, celebrated 50 years of devoted ministry by Fr Steven and Presvytera Patricia Scoutas during its Feast Day on Friday, December 12.
The celebrations culminated with a Poly-Hierarchical Divine Liturgy presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Concelebrating were Their Grace Bishops Elpidios of Perth, Athinagoras of Canberra, Iakovos of Miletoupolis, and Christophoros of Kerasounta. At the Archbishop’s request, Bishop Elpidios delivered the homily.
At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Makarios presented the couple with the Medal of the Order of the Christ-loving, describing it as “the least we can do” to honour their long and invaluable service to the Parish and the broader Church in Australia.
In his remarks, Archbishop Makarios also commemorated Fr Steven’s predecessor, the late Fr Elias Economou, noting his lasting spiritual legacy. He praised Fr Steven’s fifty years of dedicated ministry and highlighted Presvytera Patricia’s essential role in the Parish’s growth.
Fr Steven expressed gratitude for the honour and for the Archbishop’s support, particularly during a recent health trial.
He also acknowledged Presvytera Patricia’s steadfast support, saying: “Without my Presvytera, I would not have remained in this Parish for very long,” praising her virtues of diligence, prudence, wisdom, patience, and dignity.
The priestly couple received warm congratulations from attending bishops, clergy, faithful, Parish President Elia Economou, and students of Saint Spyridon College.
With the blessing and canonical permission of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Eminence Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand visited Adelaide, accompanied by Archimandrite Meletios Pantic of the Holy Metropolis of New Zealand, sharing in the common vision and missionary work across the South Pacific.
On Sunday, 7 December 2025, the Tenth Sunday of St Matthew, Metropolitan Myron presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Church of Saint Dimitrios Salisbury, assisted by Archimandrite Fr Meletios Pantic, Protopresbyter Fr Stavros Psaromatis and parish priest Fr Michael Psaromatis.
The church was filled with families, children, youth and parishioners, and many approached to receive Holy Communion. The chanting was reverent, the participation heartfelt, and the atmosphere joyful and spiritual, reflecting the unity and love of the faithful gathered for worship.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the parish of St Dimitrios Salisbury hosted a Fundraising Lunch in support of the Orthodox Mission in Fiji Tonga and Samoa. A generous and beautifully prepared meal awaited the faithful, prepared by the Philoptochos, the Parish Council and volunteers who worked quietly and lovingly.
The hall filled quickly, and people remained well into the afternoon, sharing fellowship, speaking about the mission and offering donations with open hearts.
Through this outpouring of faith and generosity, the remarkable amount of $120,000 AUD was raised, a witness to the missionary zeal and compassion of Saint Dimitrios Parish Salisbury, which has faithfully supported the Orthodox Mission in the Pacific over the last three years, together with faithful from parts of the wider Adelaide community who also contributed lovingly to this effort.
It was emphasised that every gift, great or small, becomes hope, nourishment and assistance for families and children throughout the Pacific. Through the tireless efforts of the Holy Metropolis of New Zealand, the Mission continues to provide food, clothing, school supplies, medicine, pastoral care, catechetical instruction and welfare support.
The work sustains Saint Tabitha Orphanage in Saweni, supports parish ministry, youth formation, outreach to remote villages and educational development where resources are limited, yet faith is strong.
Drawing from past missionary experiences, it was remembered that in Fiji the Orthodox faith is not merely spoken, it is lived. It lives in humble chapels where oil lamps burn before icons, in meals of cassava shared with love, in children chanting the Creed, in prayer under the shade of palm trees and in the simple offering of those who give even from their poverty. The mission grows through presence, sacrifice and prayer, through the gift of time, love and service.
At the close of the event, Metropolitan Myron expressed heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Makarios for his fatherly blessing and guidance, and to His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide for his pastoral support and continued encouragement of missionary outreach.
With equal warmth he thanked Fr Michael and Presvytera Stavroula for their 13 years of service to the Orthodox Mission in the Pacific, as well as Fr Stavros, Presvytera Kyriaki and their family, who continue to strengthen and support the work of the Church in the region.
He also extended sincere thanks to the Philoptochos, Parish Council and all volunteers, honouring their dedication, labour and philotimo, without which the Fundraising Lunch and its missionary offering would not have been possible.
His Eminence concluded with a prayer that God grant health, peace and spiritual blessing to all who contributed, and that the missionary work of the Church in the South Pacific may continue to bear much fruit.
The day ended in an atmosphere of joy, unity and deep gratitude, leaving a living message of hope: that when generosity is joined to prayer, the Mission blossoms and Christ becomes known among His people.
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) and the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) have expressed deep sorrow and condemnation following the deadly attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday, offering condolences to the Jewish community and calling for unity, calm and respect in the wake of the tragedy.
In a statement issued on behalf of the GOCNSW, the organisation said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Bondi Beach,” extending its “sincere condolences to the Jewish community” and to the families who have lost loved ones.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families,” the statement said.
The GOCNSW strongly condemned all acts of violence and urged both the Greek community and the wider public to remain calm while authorities continue their investigations.
“It is vital that no individual or group is unfairly targeted or vilified during this time,” the statement said, warning against speculation and collective blame.
Reaffirming its commitment to social cohesion, the GOCNSW said the community stands for “peace, respect, and solidarity,” and called on all Australians to come together in support of one another.
“We call on all Australians to uphold the values of unity and understanding,” the statement concluded.
The GCM also issued a strong condemnation of the attack, describing it as a “premeditated act of terror” and “an affront to all Australians and our collective shared values.”
In its statement, the GCM said it stands firmly in solidarity with the Jewish community during this time of grief and shock.
“Australia’s strength lies in its multicultural society,” the statement said, adding that “there is no place for violence, intolerance or hate in our nation.”
Both organisations emphasised the importance of unity across communities and reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, respect and mutual support in the face of violence and hatred.
The Bondi Beach attack has sent shockwaves across Australia, prompting widespread condemnation from political, religious and community leaders, as investigations into the incident continue.
In the aftermath of the Bondi Beach shooting during a Hanukkah gathering, Greek Australian community leaders have publicly expressed their solidarity with the Jewish Australian community and have unequivocally condemned the attack.
The incident, which occurred during a religious celebration, has reverberated across Australia’s multicultural communities, prompting renewed calls for unity, vigilance, and collective action against antisemitism and religiously motivated violence.
The Australian Hellenic Council of Victoria issued a media release condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms.
“The Australian Hellenic Council unequivocally condemns the Bondi shootings targeting Jewish Australians who were celebrating Hanukkah,” the statement reads.
“No one should ever fear for their safety while observing their faith or cultural traditions. It is utterly unacceptable and frankly ridiculous that people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds cannot feel safe celebrating who they are in Australia.
“Our country prides itself on multiculturalism, tolerance, and freedom of religion, and violence or intimidation has no place here. We must all do more, governments, institutions, and individuals alike, to confront and combat antisemitism wherever it appears and to stand in solidarity with Jewish Australians and all communities facing hatred.”
The aftermath of the Bondi Beach shooting during a Hanukkah gathering.
Dean Kalimniou, Secretary of the Jewish Hellenic Association of Victoria, echoed these sentiments, situating the tragedy within the long and intertwined history of Greek and Jewish coexistence.
“The Jewish Hellenic Association of Victoria is devastated by the shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah gathering, an act of violence that has stolen lives and shattered a moment of communal joy,” Mr Kalimniou said.
“This atrocity has sent shockwaves through communities across Australia and has reopened wounds carried by peoples who know too well the consequences of hatred left unchecked.
“JHAV was formed to celebrate the unique history of the Jewish and Hellenic peoples, a history long intertwined through shared geographies, diasporas, learning, commerce, and struggle. From Alexandria to Thessaloniki, from Byzantium to modern Australia, Jews and Greeks have lived side by side, debated together, traded together, mourned together, and rebuilt together. Our encounters have been sustained by a shared commitment to ethical life, intellectual inquiry, and communal responsibility.
“Across centuries, Greek and Jewish traditions have converged in their insistence that law must be tempered by justice, that freedom carries moral obligation, and that human dignity is inviolable. From the prophetic demand for righteousness to the Hellenic pursuit of virtue and civic responsibility, our traditions have repeatedly joined in the work of building societies grounded in tolerance, decency, and respect for difference. In Australia, this shared inheritance has found expression in joint advocacy, cultural dialogue, education, and a common resolve to oppose antisemitism, racism, and all forms of dehumanisation.
“The targeting of Jewish Australians while they gathered to mark Hanukkah contravenes everything that civilised people stand for. It is an assault on lives and on the ethical foundations that bind communities together.
“Hanukkah is a festival of light. It affirms endurance in the face of oppression and the refusal of darkness to have the final word. This attack sought to extinguish that light through hatred and death. We affirm, with clarity and resolve, that the light will endure. It will be carried forward by a community that mourns, remembers, and stands together.
“JHAV stands with the Jewish community in Australia in grief, in solidarity, and in unwavering commitment. Drawing upon the shared moral heritage of our peoples, we recommit ourselves to the work of safeguarding communal life, defending human dignity, and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.”
Leaders across the Greek Australian community have expressed profound shock that acts of this nature can be perpetrated against ethnic and religious groups in Australia, a country long regarded as a place of safety, pluralism, and mutual respect.
The Bondi shooting has prompted renewed reflection on the fragility of social cohesion and the responsibility shared by all Australians to defend it.
Greek Australian students have once again demonstrated academic excellence, with a remarkable cohort named duxes across Victorian schools following the release of the 2025 VCE results.
Leading the list is Georgios Pirpiris, who achieved a perfect ATAR of 99.95 to become dux of Melbourne Grammar School, placing him among the top students in the state.
At Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, Stephanie Leon shared dux honours after achieving an outstanding ATAR of 99.25, reflecting the school’s strong academic tradition.
George Mouratidis was named dux of Alphington Grammar School, earning an ATAR of 99.3, while Leah Delios achieved an exceptional 99.7 to become the VCE dux of Ivanhoe Grammar School’s Campus.
At The Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, dux honours were jointly awarded to Alessandra Heywood and Chris Kouroupidis, both achieving an impressive ATAR of 99.90.
Further north, Paul Koutsivos was named Preston High School’s dux for 2025, with an ATAR of 99.5. Speaking about his achievement, Paul said he was “very happy” with the result and felt it validated the hard work he had put in throughout the year.
Paul completed a demanding subject load, studying Chemistry, English, Ancient History, Specialist Mathematics, Philosophy and Mathematical Methods. He plans to study a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Mathematics and Statistics, and said he was excited for the opportunities ahead.
Language excellence also featured strongly, with Melanie Boubis named VCE dux of Cranbourne Secondary College after excelling in two languages. She achieved a study score of 47 in English and 42 in Greek, highlighting the value of bilingual education.
Rounding out the list, Sara Kolovos was named dux of Our Lady of Sion College, achieving an ATAR of 98.55, with the school congratulating her on an outstanding academic performance.
The achievements of these students reflect not only individual dedication and perseverance, but also the continued emphasis placed on education within the Greek Australian community.
As families, schools and communities celebrate these results, the class of 2025 stands as a testament to the strength of academic aspiration across Victoria’s Hellenic diaspora.
*Please note: The above students are those The Greek Herald could identify by their Greek name. If you believe you should be in this article, please send an email to info@foreignlanguage.com.au.
Sixteen people, including a gunman, are dead following what police have declared a terrorist attack on a Jewish festival at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, as leaders condemned the violence as an act of “pure evil” antisemitism.
The shooting unfolded about 6.45 pm on Sunday during a Chanukah by the Sea event marking the first night of Hanukkah, attended by at least 1,000 people near Bondi Park. NSW Police say two gunmen, identified by police sources as a father and son, opened fire from a bridge into the crowd.
Naveed Akram, 24, was apprehended at the shooting and was taken to hospital where he remains under police guard in a critical but stable condition. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, who owned a fruit shop, died at the scene.
Fifteen victims, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed. The total death toll stands at 16. A further 38 people were injured, with 29 taken to hospital, including two NSW police officers who remain in a critical but stable condition.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government would act decisively following the attack.
“We stand with them, we stand against antisemitism, we will do whatever is necessary to stamp it out,” he said.
“Australia will never submit to division, violence or hatred, and we’ll come through together. We refuse to let them divide us as a nation.”
NSW authorities confirmed the incident has been declared a terrorist attack, with federal agencies joining the investigation. Police are not looking for a third suspect.
Photo: ABC News / Jack Fisher.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators were “satisfied there were two offenders involved”, adding that one was deceased and the second was in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
The older gunman, aged 50, held a firearms licence for 10 years and had six registered firearms, all of which have now been seized.
Police also confirmed two “basic” explosive devices were found at the scene but had not been activated. Homes linked to the alleged attackers in Bonnyrigg and Campsie have been raided.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the attack was “an intolerable situation” and confirmed the government would examine gun law reform.
“We need to fight antisemitism, it is toxic, it is cancerous within a community, and as you can see from last night, it leads to devastating implications,” he said.
Among those killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who had led the Chabad mission in Bondi for 18 years. Local rabbi Mendel Kastel told ABC News he lost his brother-in-law in the attack, saying: “My family was here. My wife and kids were here. And unfortunately I lost my brother-in-law here last night.”
World leaders also condemned the violence. US President Donald Trump described it as a “terrible” and “purely antisemitic” attack, while King Charles said he was saddened by “the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack” and praised the “heroic actions” of police, emergency services and members of the public.
The Bondi Beach crime scene remains active as investigations continue.
A last-minute agreement has spared A-League club Western United from liquidation, giving operator and major shareholder Jason Sourasis a chance to revive the struggling side.
The reprieve came after the Australian Taxation Office accepted a payment plan for a $15.5 million tax debt.
As recently as Thursday, December 11, the ATO had been pushing for liquidation, before Federal Court Justice Penelope Nescovkin ordered mediation, calling the deal “the last chance” for anyone to recover funds.
Under the agreement, major lender Johnson Controls will cover the $15.5 million tax bill, while a second backer, believed to be linked to billionaire Paul Lederer, will inject a further $5 million.
Western United had been run by Sourasis, the former business partner and financial adviser to star investor Scott Pendlebury, who is suing Sourasis in separate proceedings over claims more than $2.1 million was invested without his knowledge, allegations Sourasis denies.
The deal prevents liquidation, which would likely have left investors and creditors empty-handed, and allows Sourasis an opportunity to resurrect the club after it sat out the current A-League season due to unpaid players.
Western United described the outcome as a “positive step” toward its eventual return to the competition.
A 25-year-old woman from Australia was injured and one of her two dogs killed after being struck by a motorcycle in a hit-and-run incident in Gournes, Heraklion.
The incident occurred on the old national road when a motorcycle without licence plates allegedly travelling at high speed hit the woman as she was walking with her dogs.
Witnesses said the rider had a hood on, no lights, and fled the scene after falling from the bike, abandoning the victim and the animals.
The woman sustained injuries to her arm and was taken to PAGNI hospital, where she was treated and placed in a cast. Her life is not in danger. One of her dogs, a Labrador, was thrown several metres by the impact and died instantly.
“If he had hit Milena, he would have been killed instantly. The dog got in the way, so he was hit first and died instantly, and then he hit Milena,” a friend said.
Speaking to Neakriti.gr, the woman described the moments of the crash: “I went for a walk with my dog, Lila, and Koko, whom I was hosting for a few days. And we were finishing the walk and wanted to cross the street, and then a scooter, a motorcycle, came and hit us.”
“I fell to the ground, and Lila was hit by the bike and thrown all the way across the street… I needed someone to help me and take her to the vet… but she died. She didn’t make it. My baby didn’t make it.”
Her friend said the driver abandoned her after the crash. “Essentially, this is a typical case where the offender abandons the victim. Here we have the loss of an innocent life,” she said, adding that the woman has been living in the area for two months and works as a Pilates and yoga teacher.
“She chose to live in Greece, to work, to offer… And yet, we have caused her the opposite,” the friend said.
World leaders have condemned the mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during Hanukkah celebrations, as authorities confirmed at least 16 people were killed, including one of the shooters, and more than 40 were injured.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he was “deeply shocked” by the attack. “I condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms. We stand in solidarity with Jewish communities everywhere. Anti-Semitism and hatred have no place in our societies,” he said.
The attack occurred on the first evening of Hanukkah near the Chanukah by the Sea festival, where Jewish Sydneysiders had gathered to celebrate. Gunmen opened fire on a packed crowd at the beach.
Deeply shocked by today’s attacks in Sydney during Hanukkah celebration. I condemn this violence in the strongest terms. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish communities everywhere. Antisemitism and hatred have no place in our societies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticised Australia’s leadership, accusing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of failing to curb antisemitism.
“Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire,” Netanyahu said, adding: “You did nothing to curb the cancer cells that were growing inside your country. You took no action.”
Albanese declined to directly respond to the criticism, saying it was a “moment for national unity”. He described the shooting as “an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location”.
US President Donald Trump described the shooting as a “terrible” and “obviously an antisemitic” attack, sending his well-wishes to Albanese and the Australian people. He also praised a bystander who disarmed one of the gunmen, calling him “a very, very brave person”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog labelled the shooting a “cruel” attack and urged stronger action, saying there was an “enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society”. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he was “appalled” and warned Australia “must come to its senses!”
A message from The King to the people of Australia following the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. pic.twitter.com/yopJaWZF9s
King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack”, adding that the “light at the heart of the Chanuka Festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
Condemnations also came from leaders across Europe, Asia and the United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “horrified” by the “heinous, deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah”.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere. We are united against violence, antisemitism and hatred.”
As investigations continue, leaders worldwide reiterated calls to confront antisemitism and ensure Jewish communities can practise their faith “openly and without fear.”
