Public Statement of Support for our Dean
In relation to all the media frenzy surrounding the recent purchase of a Sydney property by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Consolidated Trust, St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College unequivocally expresses its undivided support for His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia during this difficult and trying time when many irresponsible reports are being circulated with the intent to damage the good reputation of the Archbishop and the Church more broadly.
The Theological College knows fully well that many claims circulating in the media are both untrue and unsubstantiated. For this reason, we strongly believe that all those behind these publications are solely motivated by self-serving interests, which were disrupted when the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate unanimously elected Archbishop Makarios as Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The Theological College gives thanks and glory to God for the fact that, in less than a year, Archbishop Makarios has succeeded in renewing the spiritual leadership of the Church with the election of three new assistant bishops; in healing old wounds of division within the Greek community; in transitioning the Theological College into a new and exciting phase; in organising youth conferences all around Australia and planning the completion of a youth centre in Bribie Island; in broadening the scope of ministry to those less fortunate through increased programs of the Archdiocesan welfare centres; in planning the establishment of drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres; in strengthening the presence of monasticism; and in demonstrating his undivided commitment to Australia through his leadership in collecting funds for all those who suffered during the devasting effects of the bushfires in January 2020, and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. All these are simply to name a few of his numerous initiatives.
In light of the above, our Theological College stands behind and fully supports our Archbishop, since in his person the glorious reality of Christ is made present and in this way the faithful are united to Christ — united to the love of Christ — and by extension to one another with the message of reconciliation (τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς, 2 Cor. 5:19) that he has brought to Australia.
May his tenure as our Archbishop and Dean be a long, rewarding and a fruitful one.
From the Office of the Theological College.