© 2021 Greek Community Tribune All Rights Reserved
The Community of Adelaide rejected the Archdiocese deed
October 28, 2024
The extraordinary general meeting of the Greek Orthodox Community South Australia, last
Sunday 27 October in the afternoon, rejected the Administrative Council’s (AC) motions for
constitutional changes and a deed that would pave the way for the historic Community's
accession to the Archdiocese of Australia.
The approximately 500 members who packed the Olympic Hall heard the proposals
brought by the AC for approval and an intense debate took place on several controversial
points.
The main points of contention were, the proposal that the council should have the right
after a general meeting to sell or transfer community property after five years. What caused
intense criticism was the word "transfer".
Also, intense controversy was noted around the proposal that in the event of conflict and
disagreement between the Community and the clergy, then the Archbishop would have the
final say and his decision would be final and binding on the Community. Also, there is no
guarantee from the archdiocese that the current priests would keep their positions in the
community churches. As for the fate of the priests, the Archbishop would make the final
decision after the signing of the agreement.
Among other controversial points in the agreement which were strongly protested by the
members, was the paragraph according to which, in order for the Community to leave the
agreement, it must give a two years' notice, while the Archdiocese can break the agreement
with sixty days' notice before withdrawing their priests.
On the other hand, interventions were made by members who argued that the approval of
the three motions put forward by the Council would help to make the "union" under the
auspices of the Archdiocese.
With the exception of the proposal for the Community assets, which was approved, the
main proposals concerning the withdrawal from the Autocephaly and joining the
Archdiocese were rejected with a percentage of around 61%.
According to the constitution, the motions required at least 75% of the members present.
Greek Tribune
Adelaide, South Australia