Published by Neos Kosmos (Australia), August 11, 2003

Church Council Issues Declarations

August 11, 2003 (NK) -- An extraordinary meeting of the Archdiocesan Council [Archdiocese of Australia] was convened at the central offices of the Archdiocese in Sydney last Monday, August 4.

Members on the national body of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia, gathered to discuss the problem suddenly created by former assistant Bishop to Archbishop Stylianos, Joseph of Arianzos.

The Council, representing all parishes and communities, welfare and educational institutions, under the jurisdiction of the Church has issued a unanimous declaration.

To begin with, the announcement reiterates unequivocal support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Secondly, it expressed respect and support for the authority of Archbishop Stylianos, as the pre-eminent church leader who is uncompromising in protecting the integrity of the Orthodox Church and is unwavering in his adherence to the truth on matters theological, of church relevance and issues of social justice.

Finally, the Council expressed solidarity with, and confidence in the authoritative and fully informed judgement of Stylianos on all issues relating to the Archdiocese of Australia.

The Council also expressed its concerns over actions and decisions taken by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in recent times.

The Council found it alarming that schismatics, comprising a minority, who have caused unceasing problems for the Church in Australia over the past 50 years, are received by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the presence of Greek government ministers for issues unrelated to the administration of the Archdiocese of Australia. It expressed its 'sadness' at the "apparent readiness of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to receive these 'aggrieved' individuals and make assessments based on their 'revelations' to the detriment of the Archdiocese of Australia and the Ecumenical Patriarchate."

Further, the council conveyed its opposition to the administrative model established by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the United States of America, particularly since 1995, which it finds unacceptable, adding that, 'any attempt by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, or any other authority, to further destabilise the Australian Archdiocese and the current Canonical Head of the Greek Orthodox Church of Australia with means other than the Holy Canons of the Orthodox Church will constitute a gross lack of judgement by the Mother Church and will never be tolerated by the dedicated and lawful members of our faith and of this blessed country of Australia.' Such actions must, if necessary, be 'resolved through all lawful means.'

Finally, the Council unanimously requested from the Ecumenical Patriarchate that the former assistant Bishop Joseph who underhandedly deserted specific duties here, be ordered to return to Australia and give an account about his actions which are not only of a 'spiritual nature.'

The statement concludes with the proposal that, after this responsible and just restoration takes place, the Ecumenical Patriarchate can then utilise assistant Bishop Joseph, according to its discretion, for the true benefit of the church.

The reactions of the Patriarchate will be of significance and are anticipated by both the official church and its members.