Australian Synod urges clergy to limit online sermons
The Synod of the Australian Archdiocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
On April 16, 2026, in Sydney, the Holy Diocesan Synod of the Australian Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople concluded its work with a decision to limit the activities of clergy on social media. The hierarchs of Phanar spoke out against turning clergy into internet influencers, reports the UOJ in the USA.
At the meeting presided by Abp. Makarios of Australia, Synod members discussed the problem of changing the public image of clergy in the digital age. Meeting participants prepared a special encyclical emphasizing the importance of preserving the Church's spiritual mission above personal popularity on the Internet.
The hierarchs called on priests to focus on pastoral ministry rather than pursuing fame on social media. In the Synod's opinion, the blogging culture among clergy poses risks to church identity. Archbishop Makarios also stated that the Church risks losing its face without preserving traditional values and language.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the head of the Finnish Church of Constantinople called a UOC temple a threat to the country.
Read also
Metropolitan Theodosiy to authorities: You will answer for abusing believers
The Cherkasy hierarch warned that the war would not excuse unlawful acts and that judges, prosecutors, and police officers involved in the persecution of the UOC would be held accountable.
Drone attack damages Smolensk Cathedral of ROC in Belgorod
Drone blast on Smolensk Cathedral grounds in Belgorod shatters more than 20 windows, damages the church's roof and façade.
Pope: There is no holy war: only peace is holy
Pontiff addresses participants of Assisi meeting marking 40th anniversary of 1986 Day of Prayer for Peace in a video message, calling on them to reject the use of religion to justify war.
St. Anthony of Caves Church destroyed by shelling in Antonivka
Photos of the destroyed UOC church in the Antonivka settlement of Kherson have been published online.
Kremenchuk TRC mobilizes UOC priest Ioann Vus
A cleric of the Kremenchuk Eparchy was mobilized near his own home.
German monks visit Bancheny to support Metropolitan Longin
Monks from the German Monastery of Buchhagen visited Bancheny to express their support for Metropolitan Longin and the monastery’s brotherhood.