The community has grown accustomed to Father Lefteris’s unexpected moves. However, this time he has surprised many by deciding to join the Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand.

The announcement sent to Neos Kosmos reads as follows:

“With great joy, emotion, and enthusiasm, it is announced that on the 18th day of February in the year 2024, the Venerable Presbyter Eleftherios Tatsis voluntarily joined the one, unique, and exclusive Church of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand, as well as the historic and unique veteran Community of the Greek Orthodox Community of Saint Albans Saint Paraskevi.Well done, Father Eleftherios, for your trust in the right Archpriesthood, which is evidenced by deeds and not just words, and for your dedication to our Community’s struggles.

The Archbishop of Australia and New Zealand NektariosThe President Areti AkamatiThe General Secretary Panagiotis Zafiris.”

Father Lefteris, speaking to Neos Kosmos, confirmed the news.

“I had no other choice as I grow older. From now on, I will mention Archbishop Nektarios,” he said.

In a statement, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA), announced the decision to defrock Papa Lefteris after he Lefteris announced his resignation from the GOAA on October 2 last year.

“It is known in the community that …by decision of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the former cleric Mr Eleftherios Tatsis was imposed the penalty of defrockment from the degree of priesthood, for a series of ecclesiastical and canonical offenses he committed…. The defrocked cleric by decision of the Orthodox Church has returned to the rank of the laity and has lost the privilege of wearing priestly vestments, as well as the right to perform the Holy Sacraments and other divine services,” the statement read.

To the Patriarchate’s decision Papa-Lefteris had told Neos Kosmos at the time:

“With great joy, but at the same time with regret, I have read the expected decision of the Ecumenical Patriarch of my deposition, for the reason that I have broken my communication with him as well as with the Archbishop of AUSTRALIA MAKARIOS!!!”

“It is an honour for me to be defrocked, but it is not valid,” and went on to further criticise the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Archbishop of Australia in a written statement.