4 Jan 14: Nativity Epistle of Hilarion, Metropolitan of New York & Eastern America, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
Most Reverend fellow archpastors, most honorable fathers–concelebrants, God-loving monastics, dear brothers and sisters!
Motivated by the best thoughts and deepest feelings of brotherly love and spiritual joy, I greet the faithful children of the Russian Church Abroad, scattered worldwide as God’s wheat, with the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. I send my sincere wish from remote Australia that the coming new 2014th year bring rich spiritual fruit for each of us individually and for the entire Church!
In their writings the Holy Fathers of the Church portray the Feast of the Nativity as great, universal and joyful; the beginning and basis for all other Feasts. It is no wonder the Holy Church sings: “Christ is born, give ye glory, Christ cometh from the heavens. Meet ye Him, Christ is on earth, be ye exalted …” (more…)
4 Jan 14: Orthodox Teens Enjoy Third National Retreat
More than 40 young people between the ages of 14 and 17 years from many parts of Australia enthusiastically attended the third Teen Retreat organised at the end of 2013 by the Sydney Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). The organising committee was a team of young people and with the help of clergy they put together a fine, well-catered retreat.
This year’s retreat followed a successful retreat for this age group in 2012 with many of the same young people attending for the third time and encouraging their friends to attend also. (more…)
4 Jan 14: 49th Annual Russian Orthodox Youth Syezd
The 49th Annual Diocesan Youth Convention took place between Thursday 19th December and Tuesday 24th December at “Camp Manyung” (YMCA), near Mt Eliza on Port Phillip Bay.
Besides lectures, talks and discussions the program included daily prayers, vespers served at the camp, a visit to Melbourne on Sunday for liturgy served by His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion with eight priests and three deacons, and a banquet, sight seeing in Melbourne city, a visit to Dandenong Church, swimming at the nearby beach, singing and socialising around camp fire, etc.
There were nine lectures and talks over the five days of the Syezd “Marriage and family” topic was covered in two talks by Fr Nicholas Karipoff and Fiona Polorotoff (Melbourne Parish) on Friday 20th. (more…)
23 Dec 13: 17th Assembly of the Australian and New Zealand Diocese
RESOLUTION OF THE 17th ASSEMBLY OF THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND DIOCESE
Held in Sydney on 12th to 14th December 2013
Having listened to His Eminence’s report on the state of the Diocese, we the clergy and laity gathered in solemn Assembly are grateful for His Eminence’s concern and archpastoral oversight of all aspects of parish and Diocesan life.
We recognise that without a permanent episcopal presence spiritual life in the diocese is but a shadow of what it could be. However Vladyka’s concern, prayers and guidance emboldens us to ensure that the life of our Diocese is peaceful, spiritual and productive.
We welcome the possibility of a Vicar Bishop being appointed in the future, but are truly gladdened to have His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, as our Diocesan bishop. (more…)
4 Dec 13: Announcement: Teen Retreat Timetable 2013 and Registration Closure
The registration for the Teen Retreat 2013 will be closed Sunday, 8 December 2013. Therefore, please hurry and register by clicking here as spots are limited.
Click on the image below for the Teen Retreat timetable
30 Oct 13: Holy Protection Cathedral, Melbourne, celebrated its Feast Day
On Monday 14th October 2013, the Holy Protection Cathedral in Melbourne celebrated its Parish Feast Day. The All-Night Vigil was served by the clergy of the cathedral, Archpriest Nicholas Karipoff (rector), Archpriest Nicholas Dalinkiewicz, Archpriest Peter Sheko, Hieromonk Kyril and Protodeacon Alexander Abramoff.
The following day, clergy from the neighbouring parishes joined to serve the Divine Liturgy. (more…)