Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia ordains two new bishops: Christophoros of Kerasounta and Athenagoras of Canberra

Unanimously elected by the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Holy and Sacred Synod, the caller bishops were consecrated astatine Sydney’s Evangelismos Cathedral successful services led by Archbishop Makarios.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia welcomed two caller bishops implicit the weekend, with the ordinations of Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta connected Sunday and Bishop Athenagoras of Canberra connected Saturday astatine the Cathedral of the Annunciation (Evangelismos) successful Sydney.

Sunday’s Synodal and Polyarchieratic Divine Liturgy, presided implicit by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, drew hierarchs, clergy and hundreds of faithful who filled the cathedral to observe Bishop Christophoros’ consecration.

Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia / Markellos Petropoulos

One time earlier, the cathedral was again astatine capableness for the ordination of Bishop Athenagoras, until present the longtime Archdeacon of the Archdiocese, performed by his spiritual father, Archbishop Makarios, successful a ceremonial marked by joyousness and heartfelt emotion.

The celebrations followed Friday evening’s Akolouthia tou Megalou Minymatos (Great Message), during which the predetermination of some bishops was proclaimed publically and the elite responded with their words of thanksgiving, formally accepting the patriarchal mandate. Both bishops were elected unanimously by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Bishop Christophoros. Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia / Markellos Petropoulos

Among those contiguous crossed the services were the Patriarchal typical to the Pan-Australian Clergy Synaxis, Metropolitan Apostolos of Miletos (Abbot of the Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of St Anastasia Pharmakolytria), visiting hierarchs including Metropolitans Ignatios (Demetrias & Almyros), Gregorios (Cameroon), Ioustinos (Nea Krini & Kalamaria), Myron (New Zealand) and Damaskinos (Aitolia & Akarnania), members of the Archdiocese’s Holy Eparchial Synod, clergy from crossed Australia, representatives of organisations and schools, and a ample congregation.

The ordinations coincide with the opening successful Sydney of the 2nd Pan-Australian Clergy Synaxis (29 Sept–1 Oct), hosted by the Archdiocese and focusing connected “Social Media and the Priesthood.”

Archbishop Makarios ordains Bishop Christophoros. Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia / Markellos Petropoulos