Married Greek Orthodox Clergy in Contemporary Society: Exploring the roles of the Priest and Presbytera in the Australian context

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence suggests the image and the roles of the Greek Orthodox Priest and Presbytera are surrounded by a tradition of vague ideas mixed with many stories passed down from generation to generation. Role ambiguity and confusion exists about the ministry of the Greek Orthodox Church in an Australian and global context. This research is an exploration of real experiences that could challenge some perceptions and expectations while drawing together the diverse and multi-dimensional roles of the Greek Orthodox Priest and Presbytera in the Australian context, identifying the tug-of-war of “what should be” and “what is”. The aim is to develop a better understanding of where the Priest and Presbytera fit in the overall substance of the Greek Orthodox Church through a synchronic view with polyphonic layers of their stories, in contemporary society. The first fruits of this labour have been divided into several categories: the Priest and the Church; the Presbytera and the Church; Marriage and the Church.