Unity Agreement Between Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and NSW Community to be Finalized

Stella Tsolakidou
5/11/2011

After the October 28 joint celebrations, the ecclesiastical unity agreement between the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia is scheduled to be consummated on coming Sunday.

Last Sunday, the NSW Community had been invited to attend and join the “Oxi” Day celebrations organized by the Inter-communal Committee of the Archdiocese at the Annunciation of Virgin Mary cathedral.

Head of the team of the NSW delegates was president Charis Danalis, who laid a commemorative wreath, while the proper recognition of the Community was completed both inside and outside the cathedral. Both sides are satisfied with the so far developments and have underlined that they have been receiving supportive messages from the Greek Diaspora on the restoration of their relations after a 50 years long split.

The Archdiocese announced that on coming Sunday Titular Bishop Seraphim of Appolonias will be leading the divine liturgy of the congregation at the Community Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Moreover, with the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop of Australia Stylianos, Bishop Seraphim will ordain deacon Mr. George Papadopoulos to priest at Sunday’s liturgy.

Mr. Papadopoulos is the only one out of the three NSW community’s clergy members that was accepted by the Archdiocese. He was ordained on November 1 deacon in order to be able to become the priest of the St. Nicholas Church of Marrickville.

«This Sunday will be of historic importance because it will be the first time over the past 40 years that a proper bishop will lead the liturgy in our Virgin Mary Church” told SBS Radio Bishop Seraphim, who called for unity between the two sides.

On his behalf, Mr. Danalis told SBS Radio that is very honoring for both sides what they have achieved so far. “Our goal is to put an end to this division of the past” added Mr. Danalis.

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