Faithful gather to bid farewell to Archbishop Stylianos as funeral begins

The news of Australia’s Archbishop Stylianos passing at 6pm on Monday, the Greek Independence Day holiday, sent shock-waves rippling through the Greek community. Since then, parishioners, members of the clergy and friends have paid tribute to the great spiritual leader in many ways. Since yesterday afternoon thousands have passed by the Annunciation of Our Lady Cathedral in Redfern to pay their last respects as his body lay in repose.

A giant of a figure, he will always be remembered for welcoming people regardless of their religious affiliation and despite being outspoken, he was a man of great open-mindedness, tolerance and kindness with views that sometimes contradicted traditional beliefs.

His brash nature, filled with chutzpah, sometimes caused controversy but nobody can deny that he helped expand the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, especially as far as social services and the Orthodox education is concerned.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew has designated Metropolitan Archbishop Panteleimon of Vryoula to officiate today’s funeral as the representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch. Panteleimon, who was elevated to Metropolitan in 2018, previously served as an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Australia with posts in Adelaide and Melbourne.

CLICK HERE to watch the funeral live with Neos Kosmos.

Photos by George Mpliokas show developments at the Cathedral so far.