Pan-Australian Clergy Synaxis opens in Sydney on ‘Social Media and Priesthood’

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has opened the 2nd Pan-Australian Clergy Synaxis successful Sydney, a three-day gathering (29 September–1 October) focused connected “Social Media and the Priesthood: The use of κοινωνικά media by clergy.” Proceedings are being hosted astatine the Resurrection of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, Kogarah, under the aegis of the Holy Eparchial Synod.

Representing the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Mother Church is Metropolitan Apostolos of Mytilene/Miletopolis (Abbot of the Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of St Anastasia Pharmakolytria, Halkidiki), accompanied by Patriarchal Deacon Fr Fotios Poulopoulos.

They are joined by hierarchs including Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias and Almyros, Metropolitan Gregorios of Cameroon (Patriarchate of Alexandria), Metropolitan Ioustinos of Nea Krini and Kalamaria, and Metropolitan Damaskinos of Aitolia and Akarnania.

The Archbishop of Australia Makarios welcomed the delegation alongside members of the Holy Eparchial Synod: Bishops Elpidios (Perth), Silouan (Adelaide), Kyriakos (Melbourne), Eumenios (Chora) and Bartholomew (Brisbane), arsenic well arsenic Bishops Iakovos (Miletoupolis) and Christodoulos (Magnesia), the bishops-elect Athenagoras (Canberra) and Christophoros (Kerasounta), clergy from crossed the country, the Consul-General of Greece successful Sydney, George Skemperis, assemblage representatives, and a delegation of youth from the Lykeion ton Ellinidon Sydney.

Day 1 (underway now)

The Synaxis opened this greeting with the Service of the Blessing of the Waters, followed by greetings from Archbishop Makarios and a recorded connection from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

A keynote by Archbishop Makarios connected “Artificial Intelligence and the Church” concluded the archetypal session, with a theological artifact connected κοινωνικά media led by Metropolitan Ignatios and Bishop Silouan precocious morning.

As of 1.30pm, participants are breaking for lunch; day sessions will analyse ngo and witness successful the integer age, clergy responsibilities online, and reflections connected the clergyman arsenic a usher and “influencer of souls.”

The programme continues done Tuesday with pastoral and theological panels connected integer testimony, analytics and online behaviour, and spiritual vigilance successful the “age of screens.”

The Synaxis will reason connected Wednesday 1 October with a Synodal and Polyarchieratic Divine Liturgy astatine the Resurrection of Christ Church, followed by a reception. A ceremonial meal will besides people 40 years since the founding of the St Andrew’s Theological College.

More photos below:

Clergy speech greetings successful the arrivals hallway arsenic youth successful traditional formal wait with bouquets to welcome the delegation. Photos: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia/Supplied