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.

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