A historic opportunity to heal a decades-long rift may be within reach. GOCSA president Peter Gardiakos has expressed cautious optimism to Neos Kosmos that the majority will vote in favour of spiritual integration with the Archdiocese. An Extraordinary General Meeting, called by the board of directors, will occur on 27 October at 2pm at Olympic Hall, 288 Franklin Street.
Members will consider key proposals:
– Amending the statutes with new articles on GOCSA’s real estate.
– Withdrawing from the Autocephalous Church in America and Australia and associating with the Archdiocese of Australia.
These changes aim to preserve GOCSA’s independence while restoring unity under the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s canonical jurisdiction. To pass, 75 per cent of members attending must vote in favour.
“We’re adding four new articles, not amending the constitution,” Gardiakos told Neos Kosmos.
Asked why he’s optimistic, Gardiakos noted Archbishop Makarios’ clear message: “The sole aim is ecclesiastical restoration and unity within Hellenism. The Archdiocese seeks no economic benefit from GOCSA’s property.”
If the additions to the constitution are approved, GOCSA would retain its independence and all its property, with only ecclesiastical ties to the Archdiocese.
Gardiakos added, “After 64 years, the time for unity has come, as it did in Melbourne and Sydney. We are all Greeks, under the same flag, speaking the same language—there’s no reason for division, especially with the archbishop having no claim on anything.”
Last November, Archbishop Makarios made a historic visit to the Greek Community of South Australia, publicly calling for unity. As GOCSA prepares for this crucial vote, the possibility of ending a 64-year-old rift may offer a chance for unity that strengthens Hellenism in South Australia.
