Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
19 Mar 10: Divine Liturgy on Vanuatu
In August of last year, the islands of Vanuatu commemorated the 200th anniversary of the first contacts between Russia and the New Hebrides (as Vanuatu was then called). A monument was erected to Admiral Vasily Mihailovitch Golovnin, the Russian explorer of the Pacific, to mark the occasion. At the consecration of this monument were members of the Russian Embassy from Australia and also members of the Russian community. The monument was blessed by the Very Reverend Dr Michael Protopopov on behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion. For people of the Orthodox faith on the island it was a happy occasion where they could meet and speak to a priest. They all requested to have a Liturgy celebrated at some future date. In response to their request, in the fifth week of the Great Lent, Fr Michael accompanied by the Choir Director of the Church of our Lady’s Dormition in Dandenong (Victoria) celebrated the Liturgy of St Basil on this far away Island.
The weather of Vanuatu met Fr Michael and Mrs Lila Alexeev with torrential rain; however, the Orthodox inhabitants of the island warmly greeted their long awaited guests. The Orthodox of Vanuatu consists of a few Russian, Australian, Greek, Ukrainian, Serbian and American individuals. The Liturgy was served in the home of Australian expatriate Malcolm Michielsen and his wife Alexandra who is of Russian heritage and their two children. An Altar was set up in the great hall of the house with a view of the ocean. The Liturgy was celebrated in English and was accompanied by singing in both English and Russia. Everyone present agreed that the singing enhanced the Liturgy and set a very prayerful atmosphere. During the service a number of those present received Holy Communion. Alexandra was the perfect hostess and after the service provided a fine Lenten meal for all present.
In their brief three-day hectic visit to the island of Vanuatu, Our “missionaries” from Australia met with a number of very interesting people. Special thanks are extended to Margaret and Robert Bohn who were responsible for organising the visit. Both husband and wife, despite working full time, were very active in all aspects of the visit and much credit is due to them for the success of the enterprise. Robert is an entrepreneur and developer, whilst Margaret is an educator who also organises charitable works in aid of the local population. Her beautiful tropical gardens are recognised internationally.
One of the main questions asked of Father Michael was the possibility of organising regular visits to the island by Orthodox priests. The Orthodox residents on the island are going to try to build their own chapel for future services.
The Russian Orthodox Church has always spread its loving arms in missionary work. It never mattered how few or many people are in need of Christian instruction, the Church will not ignore them and will come to their need.
