Switching channels between the old and new mentalities: exploring inter-generational changing expectations faced by Greek Orthodox clergy in their ministry in the Australian context

Abstract

Abstract

This article draws from a larger phenomenological study exploring the roles of married Greek Orthodox clergy in the Australian context. It expands upon one of the findings from the study, that the Greek Orthodox clergy experience problems arising from changing expectations on the roles of the priest and presbytera, influenced by trans-culturality across life spans and generations of Greek Orthodox parishioners, the Church hierarchy and the clergy themselves. It considers this problem in the light of attitudes or ‘mentalities’, from the new migrants through to today’s generations of Australian-Greeks raised in the Orthodox tradition. It draws on insights, perceptions, interpretations and experiences of the priests and presbyteras. Orthodox clergy talk of having to switch channels between the old and the new mentalities within their ministry to address parishioners’ needs despite barriers such as language and cultural identity, and assess the impact these mentalities have on their roles. From the viewpoint of the priest and presbytera within the Australian context, it is possible to see the ways in which Hellenism has been retained, maintained, transformed or lost through Greek Orthodox religion.