The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has opened the 2nd Pan-Australian Clergy Synaxis in Sydney, a three-day gathering (29 September–1 October) focused on “Social Media and the Priesthood: The use of social media by clergy.” Proceedings are being hosted at the Resurrection of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, Kogarah, under the aegis of the Holy Eparchial Synod.
Representing the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Mother Church is Metropolitan Apostolos of Mytilene/Miletopolis (Abbot of the Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of St Anastasia Pharmakolytria, Halkidiki), accompanied by Patriarchal Deacon Fr Fotios Poulopoulos.
They are joined by hierarchs including Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias and Almyros, Metropolitan Gregorios of Cameroon (Patriarchate of Alexandria), Metropolitan Ioustinos of Nea Krini and Kalamaria, and Metropolitan Damaskinos of Aitolia and Akarnania.
The Archbishop of Australia Makarios welcomed the delegation alongside members of the Holy Eparchial Synod: Bishops Elpidios (Perth), Silouan (Adelaide), Kyriakos (Melbourne), Eumenios (Chora) and Bartholomew (Brisbane), as well as Bishops Iakovos (Miletoupolis) and Christodoulos (Magnesia), the bishops-elect Athenagoras (Canberra) and Christophoros (Kerasounta), clergy from across the country, the Consul-General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, community representatives, and a delegation of youth from the Lykeion ton Ellinidon Sydney.
Day 1 (underway now)
The Synaxis opened this morning with the Service of the Blessing of the Waters, followed by greetings from Archbishop Makarios and a recorded message from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
A keynote by Archbishop Makarios on “Artificial Intelligence and the Church” concluded the first session, with a theological block on social media led by Metropolitan Ignatios and Bishop Silouan late morning.
As of 1.30pm, participants are breaking for lunch; afternoon sessions will examine mission and witness in the digital age, clergy responsibilities online, and reflections on the priest as a guide and “influencer of souls.”
The program continues through Tuesday with pastoral and theological panels on digital testimony, analytics and online behaviour, and spiritual vigilance in the “age of screens.”
The Synaxis will conclude on Wednesday 1 October with a Synodal and Polyarchieratic Divine Liturgy at the Resurrection of Christ Church, followed by a reception. A formal dinner will also mark 40 years since the founding of the St Andrew’s Theological College.
More photos below:
