SA Greek Orthodox Church community fails to heal religious rift after landmark vote falls short

The South Australian Greek community division is set to reign after a landmark vote failed to overturn six decades of religious infighting.

The South Australian Greek community division is set to reign after a landmark vote failed to overturn six decades of religious infighting.

The Greek Orthodox Community of SA attempted to reconcile with the religion’s Archdiocese at the weekend amid hope of ending a 64 year-old schism.

But after a heated meeting, which was attended by some of the state’s most successful people including SA’s top judge, the vote failed despite almost two thirds of nearly 500 attending community members voting in support.

Three quarters of members, who met at the CBD’s Olympic Hall, needed to support resigning from the Autocephalic Greek Orthodox Church of America and Australia for the row to end.

While the split, which emerged in 1960 after a rebel group formed, means the state chapter stays divided, supporters claimed the war for change continues.

During the almost three-hour meeting late on Sunday, which was delayed due to volume of attendees, opponents claimed the process was “unconstitutional” and “flawed” as they argued for the status quo.

There were also contested claims of a “power struggle” and a “property grab” of more than $300m worth of assets.

Supporters, however, said it was time to heal the religious wounds for future generations.

After a secret ballot, 61 per cent of attendees voted to reunite, falling short of the 75 per cent requirement.

A separate vote to change the interpretation of Orthodox “faith” also failed despite 63 per cent backing it.

Property tycoon, and former GOCSA president Theo Maras, who voted for change, said the reality was a majority voted for church unification.

“That very clearly shows there’s a strong appetite that in any other circumstance would carry,” he said.

“However, the constitution of the community says there has to be 75 per cent support for there to be change – that is not going to be altered.

“We did not quite reach the target but it shows people heading in the right way. It’s not over.”

John Lesses, also a former GOCSA president, said he voted against the proposal due to an “imperfect” church deed and the “flawed” hybrid nature of who hired, or fired, clerics.

Mr Lesses, a former industrial relations commissioner who has been a member for 60 years, said: “We will stand our ground. We won’t kowtow to anybody.”

GOCSA president, Peter Gardiakos, said the member vote “is accepted”.

He added: “However what is also known now is that over 60 per cent of members – (a) majority of members – want change to happen.”

Archdiocese Bishop Silouan Fotineas said: “I am deeply moved, encouraged and excited knowing that the next vote will be even more successful.”

The community group’s administrative council “will go back to the membership to decide on further steps”.

Originally published as SA Greek Orthodox Church community fails to heal religious rift after landmark vote falls short