The community has grown accustomed to Father Lefteris'sunexpected moves. However, this time he has surprised many by deciding to join the Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand
'Papa Lefteris', as he is commonly known, has sent an extended letter to Neos Kosmos in which he says that the Patriarchate's action to defrock him honours him but "is not valid" and explains the reasons.
Crowds gathered on Rye's beachfront for the blessing of the waters presided over by Father Eleftherios Tatsis and organised by the Hellenic Orthodox Brotherhood of St Paisios of Australia.