St Nicholas Sunday service broke mandate rules, Police Commissioner says

A church service on Sunday breached the NT’s vaccination mandate, Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker revealed on Thursday.

POLICE Commissioner Jamie Chalker has warned Darwin’s Greek Orthodox Church to comply with the Territory’s vaccination mandate, after a rule-breaking service was allegedly held on Sunday.

St Nicholas’ priest Father Joel Xanthos, who has made stridently anti-vaccine comments in the past, allegedly held the service on Sunday in breach of the NT’s mandate a day after it came into force.

Father Joel has previously referred to Covid-19 vaccines as “biological agents” in sermons.

The church was also the site of ugly scenes after Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro and Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis were heckled by anti-mandate protesters.

Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said police were hoping for a positive outcome from the situation. Picture: Julianne Osborne

Father Joel’s most recent service has come to the attention of Police, with Mr Chalker saying he was looking forward to a “positive resolution”.

“We were made aware that certainly (in) the Greek Orthodox Church there was a congregation that gathered there on Sunday,” he said.

“We’ve made some inquiries as it relates to that.”

Mr Chalker said communion was not provided at the service.

Darwin's Greek Orthodox Church on Cavenagh St. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“There was some attempt at separation but unfortunately that’s going to be in breach of the double-vaccination mandate that’s in place,” he said.

“We know the archbishop of the diocese is supportive of vaccinations and alike, so we will continue to work with the Greek Orthodox Church.”

When contacted by the NT News, Father Joel declined to comment. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in Adelaide declined to comment.

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