The theme of the 2nd Pan-Australian Clergy Synaxis, held in Sydney under the auspices of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia from 29 September to 1 October 2025, is: “Social Media and the Priesthood: The Use of Social Media by the Clergy.”
At the opening of the Synaxis, on the morning of Monday, 29 September, at the facilities of the Parish–Community of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah, the Service of the Blessing of the Waters (Agiasmos) was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of Miletus, representative of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and Abbot of the Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of St Anastasia Pharmakolytria in Chalkidiki.
Afterwards, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed the distinguished speakers and participating clergy. A prerecorded video message from the Ecumenical Patriarch was then shown, followed by an address from Metropolitan Apostolos of Miletus, who officially declared the commencement of the Synaxis’ proceedings.
Greetings were also delivered by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth, on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese of Australia; Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne, Fr Miltiadis Chryssavgis, on behalf of the local clergy; and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr. Georgios Skemberis, on behalf of the Hellenic Republic.
The opening keynote address was delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, on the topic: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Church.”
The first day of the 2nd Pan-Australian Clergy Synaxis proceedings included the following presentations:
“Man as Priest of Creation: Climate Crisis and Modern Means of Communication” – His Eminence Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias and Almyros.
“Priestly Ministry and Social Media: A Theological Approach and Pastoral Response” – His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide.
“Mission in the Modern Age: From Apostolic Pathways to Digital Networks – Witness or Fame?” – His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora.
“The Responsibilities of the Clergyman in the Use of Social Media” – His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane.
“The Clergyman: Influencer of Souls” – Archimandrite Ignatios Mourtzanos, Protosyncellus of the Holy Metropolis of Larisa and Tyrnavos.
“An Experience Without Spectators is Now Useless. I Have Followers, Therefore I Exist” – His Eminence Metropolitan Gregorios of Cameroon.
“Priestly Ethos and Habits: A Spiritual Balancing Act” – Hieromonk Chrysostomos, Elder of the Kellion of St John Chrysostom of the Koutloumousiou Skete on Mount Athos.
At the conclusion of each presentation, questions were posed to the speakers and discussions followed, with the aim of further deepening the understanding of the topics presented.
