Priestly Synaxis held at the Holy Diocese of Melbourne

On Tuesday 29 April, the Clergy of the Holy Diocese of Melbourne gathered with joy and reverence at the Archdiocesan Church of St Eustathios for a regular session of the Melbourne Diocesan Priestly Synaxis. Presided over by His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, this sacred assembly brought together parish priests and monastics from across the Diocese for a day of theological reflection, spiritual nourishment, and ecclesial unity.

The day commenced in prayer, as the clergy assembled together within the Archdiocesan Church, invoking the grace of the Holy Spirit to guide their deliberations. The Synaxis offered a blessed opportunity for spiritual renewal, grounded in the phronema of the Church, and rooted in the pastoral vocation that each priest carries with humility and love.

His Grace Bishop Kyriakos extended a heartfelt welcome to all present and conveyed the paternal blessings and abiding love on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. “We are all deeply moved by the paternal care of His Eminence,” His Grace affirmed. “His Eminence send the Lord’s blessings to each of you and your families, and assures you of his unwavering love and support. His tireless labours for the good of the Archdiocese are a beacon of faith and unity for us all.”

His Grace spoke with spiritual depth on the sacred vocation of the priesthood, reminding the clergy that ministry is not merely an office but a profound calling to serve Christ in the hearts of the faithful. “The priest stands as a servant, not above the people, but among them—called to share in their joys and sorrows, to offer the comfort of the Gospel, and to be a vessel of God’s mercy,” he said.

In reflecting on the recent session of the Holy Eparchial Synod, convened in Sydney last week under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, His Grace stressed the importance of canonical order and the collaborative work of the Church’s shepherds. “Our Church grows and is strengthened not through division, but through unity and obedience. His Eminence has laid a strong, canonical foundation that is shaping a vibrant and faithful future for Orthodoxy in Australia,” Bishop Kyriakos noted.

The central theme of the Synaxis, “The Body of Christ: A Place of Welcome for All People,” underscored the Church’s inclusive and healing mission in the world. Drawing from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, His Grace reflected on the mystery of the Church as the living Body of Christ: “That the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together” (1 Cor. 12:25–26). His Grace reminded all that “no member is dispensable; all are necessary; all are loved and embraced in Christ.”

This spirit of inclusion continued with the reading of a significant pastoral article by Archdeacon John Chryssavgis of the Ecumenical Throne on ministering to the faithful with special needs—offering profound insights into compassionate, Christ-centred service.

The Synaxis was further enriched by a panel of distinguished guest speakers. Mrs Mary Gakopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of Agapi Care, addressed the clergy on how to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of Orthodox Christians living with disabilities. Agapi Care is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families through residential care, community support, and advocacy. Mrs Gakopoulos emphasised the irreplaceable role of the clergy in creating welcoming parish environments where all can participate fully in the life of the Church.

Following this, His Grace welcomed Mr Steven Tsalikidis and Mr John Mangos, representatives from Windsor Management, who offered a practical session on administrative and financial matters in parish life, including risk management, duty of care, and procedures for ensuring inclusive access and safe church facilities. Their expertise provided invaluable support to the clergy in their dual roles as spiritual and administrative leaders within their parishes.

The Synaxis concluded with a fraternal luncheon, where clergy shared in fellowship, expressing gratitude to His Grace Bishop Kyriakos for his fatherly guidance and leadership as the presiding Hierarch of the District of Melbourne.

In the words of one attending priest, “This Synaxis reminded us not only of our pastoral duty but of the deep brotherhood we share. It was a moment of grace and unity—one Church, one faith, one love.” Through prayer, dialogue, and shared vision, the Clergy Synaxis reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to be a place of welcome, healing, and salvation for all, as the living Body of Christ in the world.