South Australia’s Greek Orthodox community peace bid to end toxic six-decade-long religious split

The South Australian Greek community is on the brink of ending more than six decades of religious infighting as it prepares a landmark vote to reunite its state chapter.

Theo Maras said that the “very, very, very historic vote” will end a “painful chapter”. . Photo kelly Barnes

The South Australian Greek community is on the brink of ending more than six decades of religious infighting ahead of a landmark vote to reunite its state chapter.

In what campaigners claim is a historic decision, the Greek Orthodox Community of SA is attempting to reconcile with the religion’s Archdiocese after 64 years.

The South Australian Greek community is on the brink of ending more than six decades of religious infighting ahead of a landmark vote to reunite its state chapter. Picture Emma Brasier

Supporters, including some of the state’s most successful people, say it will heal old “wounds”, allow all SA churchgoers to be religiously recognised and follow similar interstate moves to harmonise.

The schism, which community leaders say has sparked family feuds and extensive religious rows, has in extreme cases banned a bridal party from being married in a particular church if one had been baptised in the wrong location.

But ahead of a crucial vote in Adelaide on Sunday, the bid faces a backlash amid contested claims of a “power struggle” and a “property grab” of more than $300m worth of assets.

Opponents have, however, been accused of spreading “false propaganda” including sending anonymous letters to households.

The SA chapter was founded in 1930 but the split emerged in 1960 when a breakaway group formed after “several disagreements” with church leaders.

The two rival camps have formed different churches, denominations and assets.

More than 40,000 people in SA identify as Greek Orthodox, figures show.

“The subject of reunification … has been a contentious issue amongst the community for over six decades,” a GOCSA memo states.

“SA remains the only state where such a widespread division still exists.”

The community group’s assets include churches, schools, land, halls and aged care facilities.

The Archdiocese, which has promised legal safeguards to protect church finances, clergy numbers and administration independence, also has a significant asset pool.

Ahead of a crucial vote in Adelaide on Sunday, the bid faces a backlash amid contested claims of a “power struggle” and a “property grab” of more than $300m worth of assets.

Three quarters of attending members to the CBD’s Olympic Hall must support resigning from the Autocephalic Greek Orthodox Church of America and Australia.

A deed with the Archdiocese will ban church sales for five years.

Property tycoon, and former GOCSA president, Theo Maras, 76, of North Adelaide, said the “very, very, very historic vote” will end a “painful chapter”.

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He urged “reconciliation, strength and a future filled with hope and prosperity” showing the “bonds of love and faith are far greater than any differences”.

“It presents a crucial opportunity to heal wounds … and embrace a future that unites all Greeks,” said the Maras Corporation chairman and grandfather-of-three.

Theo Maras has urged “reconciliation, strength and a future filled with hope and prosperity.” Photo kelly Barnes

Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia Inc president Peter Gardiakos is strongly supportive of the bid. Picture: Supplied

“It is about the legacy we leave for our children and future generations. Our divided churches cannot provide the strength, love and guidance our children need and it’s unfair to pass this burden onto them.”

Archdiocese Bishop Silouan Fotineas, 46, a clergyman since 2002, said unity would be “historical and brilliant” to allow the Greek community to “access its fullest potential”.

Community president, Peter Gardiakos, 61, of Tennyson, said opponents “don’t trust” the bid through false claims of a “property grab and a power struggle”.

The pharmacist and father-of-two said members need to decide how the “future looks like for their children and grandchildren”.

Originally published as South Australia’s Greek Orthodox community peace bid to end toxic six-decade-long religious split