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St Andrew's Greek Orthodox Theological College.
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.
