Archbishop Makarios, the head of the Archdiocese in Australia, is meeting the membership of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) on Sunday November 12.
This may seem rather ordinary across Communities in other states but is unique for GOCSA. It is in South Australia that the Great Schism between secular communities and the Archdiocese began in 1957.
Most other community organisations across Australia began a process of reconciliation many years ago, with the Greek Community of Melbourne in 1980.
Certain members of GOCSA have expressed concerns that the current president of GOCSA Peter Gardiakos and his team are “breaching the constitution”, by meeting the Archbishop.
In response to the accusation the President of GOCSA, told Neos Kosmos that the proposed meeting is “a simple meet and greet” and that “no decisions are being made.”
In a formal comment provided to all Greek media Gardiakos said that “the Executive Committee does not continue to liaise with and organise meetings with Archbishop Makarios.”
“We enjoyed an introductory lunch with the Archbishop as reported in June, and we have not met with him since,” Gardiakos said.
In his prepared statement Gardiakos said that since that lunch, GOCSA’s “correspondence with the Archbishop and his office has been limited to inviting him to speak with our members at the event on Sunday 12 November 2023.”
“In regard to the alleged breach of the Constitution, we have thoroughly considered our decision and we are comfortable in our position.
“I wish to make it clear that the meet and greet with the Archbishop is simply an opportunity for our members to meet His Eminence and speak with him directly.”
The concerns levelled at Gardiakos and his executive included not advising the membership of GOCSA of the meeting and going to the Media first. Gardiakos told Neos Kosmos that the executive GOCSA “posted all members” a letter October 10. He added that a media release was sent out Thursday October 12.
