Synod of the Australian Archdiocese of Phanar considers the status of Ukrainian-speaking parishes

The Holy Synod of the Australian Archdiocese has completed an extraordinary session held from January 20 to 22, 2026, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Makariy of Australia. During the meetings, a number of issues were considered, including the canonical status of Ukrainian-speaking parishes located on the mainland.

According to the Orthodox Times, the Synod adopted a number of important decisions as a result of the session. Particular attention was paid to the issue of Ukrainian-speaking parishes in Australia. The Synod decided to officially inform the Patriarchate of Constantinople about their canonical status.

Based on published reports, these are parishes created earlier by the so-called Kyiv Patriarchate, which later transformed into the OCU. According to the Tomos granted to the OCU by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, Ukrainian schismatics cannot have parishes abroad, and the communities that existed before the creation of the OCU should be transferred to the local dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Earlier, the hierarch of the Patriarchate of Constantinople of Ukrainian origin, Bishop Maxim Rudko, confirmed that since the provisions of the Tomos prohibit the OCU from establishing parishes outside Ukraine, Ukrainians in the diaspora will be cared for by clergymen under the jurisdiction of Phanar. Rudko noted that in order to implement such a plan, special bishops’ districts are being created in Europe, which will include parishes that take into account Ukrainian traditions and the language of worship.