To His Eminence, the Very Most Reverend Hilarion Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad
To the Eminent Archpastors, Members of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad
Beloved in the Lord Metropolitan Hilarion, Eminent Archpastors! (more…)
On 3rd and 4th June, the feast day of the Holy Trinity, His Grace Bishop George led the divine services at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Co-celebrating with His Grace were the Cathedral dean Archpriest George Lapardin, protodeacons, Alexander Kotlaroff, Martin Naef and deacon Michael Storozhev.
Today is the anniversary of the repose of the ever-memorable Archbishop Theodore (Rafalsky) (1895-1955), the first Ruling Bishop of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. After his arrival in Australia in November 1948 Vladyka Theodore organised many parishes and communities of believers, received clergy into the Diocese, laid the groundwork for a proper Diocesan administration, and oversaw the building and consecration of Saints Peter and Paul Diocesan Cathedral in Strathfield, NSW. He was known for his humility, his warmth, and his simplicity. He reposed on 5 May 1955 following a brief illness, aged only 59, and was laid to rest beside the Strathfield Cathedral. Memory Eternal!
On Thursday, 20 April 2017, the second week of Pascha, His Grace Bishop George of Canberra paid an archpastoral visit to New Zealand where he spent two weeks travelling to all the parishes, serving and getting acquainted with parish life. On 31 April 2017, Bishop George consecrated St Nicholas church in Christchurch. For more information and to view photos please click here.
Beloved Archpastors, Honorable Fathers, Dear in the Lord Brothers and Sisters:
With a heart filled with the endearing sensation of Paschal joy, I congratulate the hierarchs, clergymen, monastics, parishioners and worshipers of our churches, scattered throughout the whole world, on the joyful celebration of the glorious Resurrection of Christ, and I greet you with the angelic good news: CHRIST IS RISEN! (more…)
On 8th and 9th April, the feast day of The Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem, His Grace Bishop George led the divine services at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Co-celebrating with His Grace were the Cathedral dean Archpriest George Lapardin, Archpriest Nikolai, cleric of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Priest Adrian Augustus, rector St Michael’s Church, Blacktown, protodeacons, Alexander Kotlaroff, Martin Naef and deacon Michael Storozhev. The Cathedral was full with the faithful and the choir lead by Andrei Laptev sang reverently. (more…)
The Epistle may be read on the office website of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
With the blessing of His Grace Bishop George of Canberra, the Myrrh-Streaming icon of the Mother of God, ‘Softener of Evil Hearts’ will be visiting the Australian New Zealand Diocese. During this time, the icon will visit most parishes and monasteries from 19 January 2017. Click here to view the schedule.
More information on the icon can be read here
On Sunday, 8 January 2017, the second day of the Nativity of our Lord, His Grace Bishop George celebrated the Divine Liturgy at All Saints of Russia church in Croydon NSW. Co-celebrating with Bishop George were priest Simon Nekipelov (rector) and protodeacons Alexander Kotlaroff, Constantine Moshegov and Martin Naef.
Following the Liturgy, the faithful were invited to the Diocesan Headquarters for a festive lunch hosted by His Grace Bishop George. During the lunch, the ROCOR Sydney Youth Choir performed carols under the direction of Eustratius Papageorgiou.
Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute