The sessions of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese of Australia were concluded, having convened in an extraordinary meeting yesterday, 22 May, and today, 23 May 2025, under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Following the opening prayer, the Minutes of the previous session were ratified, and then the Holy Synod proceeded to examine the matters included on the agenda.
During the proceedings of the Synod, the uncanonical presence of His Grace Bishop Emilianos of Meloa in Australia was thoroughly examined and unanimously condemned. The matter is being referred to the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for appropriate action in accordance with the Holy Canons.
Furthermore, the Synod addressed the situation that has arisen at the Holy Monastery of Saint George, Yellow Rock. The written explanations provided by the Abbot regarding the departure of a monk and other canonical infractions were deemed inadequate. The Members of the Holy Synod welcomed with satisfaction the decision of the Archbishop—based on the Holy Canons and the provisions of the Constitution—to impose the penalty of removal from the position of Abbot on Hieromonk Ieronymos Voultsidis. He is to be placed on a three-month suspension from all ecclesiastical functions and summoned to appear before an Episcopal Court on July 18 of this year at the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese in Sydney.
The Holy Synod joyfully welcomes the appointment of His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis as the new Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint George of the Mountain (Yellow Rock) and prays that he may receive strength from God for his new ministry. The operation of the Holy Monastery continues canonically, with the new Abbot scheduled to celebrate the Divine Liturgy this coming Sunday, 25 May.
Additionally, it was unanimously decided to grant the requested canonical license, by the Holy Eparchial Synod, to the Honourable Mr. Anthony Picardi from the Archdiocesan District, and to the Honourable Messrs. Nikolaos Karamanaglu, George Anastasiadis, and Vasilios Karikis from the Holy Diocese of Perth, permitting them to preach the divine word in churches during the Divine Liturgy, other services, and ceremonies.
Finally, in a spirit of joy and enthusiasm, the List of Clergy Eligible for the Episcopacy from the Holy Archdiocese of Australia was unanimously compiled and is being sent, through His Eminence the President, to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for final approval.
From the Chief Secretariat of the Holy Eparchial Synod
