The 12th Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia commenced on Monday, September 25 in Sydney with a powerful proclamation of unity and determination, as more than 650 community representatives, including clerics, from across the continent to participate in this historic event.
The gathering, almost three times the size of the 11th Clergy-Laity Congress held in 2013, marked a significant moment in the history of the Orthodox Church in Australia.
The participants unanimously expressed their unwavering commitment to move forward united under the leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Their collective mission is “to honour Christ, serve the Church, and advance Hellenism in Australia, the “fifth continent.”
Archbishop Makarios, visibly moved by the overwhelming turnout, described the Congress’s opening as a “great and historic day” for the Orthodox Church in Australia.
Expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to convene the Congress for the first time, he acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors and assured that this connection, represented by the Clergy-Laity Congress, would be firmly reestablished, with the Congress to take place every four years, as it was previously decided.
He highlighted the importance of unity within the Ecclesiastical Body and the necessity of fostering like-mindedness between the Clergy and the People.
The Archbishop extended a warm welcome to the esteemed international guests, particularly Archbishop Nikitas of Thyatira and Great Britain, who represented Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Archbishop Nikitas performed the Commencement Service – Agiasmos at the beginning of the Congress and conveyed a heartfelt message from the Ecumenical Patriarch, eliciting deep emotions from the audience.
He urged Archbishop Nikitas to transmit the love and gratitude of the local Church and his unwavering devotion to the Ecumenical Throne and the esteemed Ecumenical Patriarch.
In addition to Archbishop Nikitas, the Congress was graced by the presence of visiting Hierarchs from Greece: Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messenia, Metropolitan Athenagoras of Ilion, Acharnes and Petroupolis, Metropolitan Gerasimos of Petra and Cherronesos, and Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymnos and Avlopotamos.
Monday was attended by Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Bishop Emilianos of Meloa, Bishop Silouan of Sinope, Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis, Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta, Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, as well as the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis.
A successful second day of deliberations
The agenda for Tuesday, September 26, features a lineup of distinguished speakers who are set to present their reports, outlining proceedings and visions for various sectors, organisations, and institutions within the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
The distinguished speakers scheduled for the day included:
Bishop Silouan of Sinope, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Adelaide, who presented a report on translations.
Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Melbourne, who provided insights into the National Feeding Program known as “The Five Loaves Initiative.”
Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, who focused on the Youth in his report.
Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Canberra, will shed light on Inter-Orthodox, Inter-Christian, and Inter-Religious Relations.
Chancellor of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Christophoros Krikelis, who delved into the workings of the Press, Communication, and Public Relations Office.
Abbot of Pantanassa Monastery, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Very Revd Fr Eusebios, who expounded on Orthodox Monasticism.
Steve Magdas, Director of the Greek Welfare Centre of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, offering insights into Social Welfare in the Archdiocese.
Dr Theo Penklis, Vice-President of the Consolidated Trust, the Archdiocesan Council, and Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council of St Basil’s Homes in Sydney, along with Harry Patsouris, Archon of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Saint Basil’s Homes in Adelaide, reporting on St Basil’s Homes.
Theo Bacalakis, Archon of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, Vice-President of the Consolidated Trust, the Archdiocesan Council, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the institutions of Saint John, Cairns, providing an overview of Saint John’s Community Care in Cairns.
Very Revd Father Angelo Alifierakis, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Institutions, along with Arthur Kopsias, Member of the Executive Council of “Elpis”, will discuss the Estia Foundation, an institution for individuals with special needs, and the Elpis Foundation of Australia, including the Detox Centre.
Vaios Anastassopoulos, Director of the Byzantine Music School of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, will present a comprehensive report on the School of Byzantine Music.
Very Revd Fr Emmanuel Stamatiou, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, and Very Revd Protopresbyter Fr Constantine Varipatis will share insights into the Department of Internal and External Missions.
Very Revd Protopresbyter Fr John Grillis and Very Revd Protopresbyter Fr Athanasios Giatsios will discuss Pastoral ministry in Universities, Police Services, and Prisons.
Revd Fr George Liangas and Mrs. Catherine Constantinidis will provide an overview of Pastoral care in the area of Health.
John Psarommatis, President of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society, will address Sunday School Education.
The 12th Clergy-Laity Congress continues to be a forum of engagement and discussion, enabling the Holy Archdiocese of Australia to further its mission and vision in various important areas. Deliberations will continue throughout the day, fostering collaboration and growth within the community.
The Congress, which continues until the end of Wednesday, September 27, also includes the participation of Priests, Deacons, Monks, and Nuns of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, the Presidents and members of the Boards of Directors, the Charitable Brotherhoods of the Parishes and Communities, the Presidents and representatives of the holy Foundations of the local Church, as well as the Sub-Dean Assoc. Prof. Philip Kariatlis, lecturers, and other representatives of the Theological College of St Andrew, Directors, Teachers, Students of the Greek Orthodox schools, and representatives of the Youth.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also spoke at Clergy Congress (see video below).
