Ecumenical Patriarchate Strengthens Australian Presence with New Dioceses and Leadership

https://ec-patr.org/

OCP News Service – 17/07/2024

Constantinople – Turkey: The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate convened this week under the leadership of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Among the significant decisions made during the two-day session was the restructuring of the Orthodox Church in Australia, aiming to better serve the spiritual needs of the faithful there.

At the request of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Holy Synod established six new Dioceses: Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Chora. This move signifies a commitment to providing stronger pastoral care for Orthodox Christians across the vast continent.

To lead these newly formed Dioceses, the Synod also elected a group of dedicated clergy. Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis will now serve as Chorbishop of Melbourne, while Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea takes on the role of Chorbishop of Perth. Bishop Silouan of Sinope, Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, and Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta will become Chorbishops of Adelaide, Brisbane, and Chora, respectively.

In addition to the Australian developments, the Synod also addressed other matters on its agenda and made relevant decisions. Separate from these proceedings, the Holy and Holy Synod imposed the penalty of excommunication on Elders Theodore Alamanos and Marcos Munoz for ecclesiastical offenses (“eis ha apeson”).

This restructuring and leadership selection by the Ecumenical Patriarchate reflects a continued focus on strengthening the presence and ministry of the Orthodox Church in Australia.

Source:
OCP News Service and EP