Syezd 2025 – Adelaide
An amazing start to the first Adelaide Syezd in 30 years!
We welcome everyone to Syezd and had a moleben, followed by fun icebreakers + dinner. Excited for the coming days
Day 2 of Syezd 2025 began with the morning run club getting up early at 6:30. In the morning we had our first talk given by Fr George Lapardin, followed by morning tea and group discussions. Thank you to Sister Maria, Fr Barnabas, Fr George, Fr Vlad, Fr Paul as well as Fr Jovan and Fr Milorad from the Serbian church who came to participate in the group discussions.Continue Reading
Teen Retreat 2025 in Geelong
Day one in Geelong kicked off with registration and a Mexican themed dinner, followed by a Moleben in the church. The night continued with fun games and getting to know each other before finishing with evening prayers and heading off to the accommodation, the perfect start to the retreat
Day 2 was filled with engaging workshops, lectures, shared meals and socialising. In the afternoon there was choir rehearsal and confession before coming together for a beautiful Vigil service in the evening.
Day 3 brought the rain but with a Beautiful liturgy, surprise visit from the Tsar, Q&A, winner of 1526 Jelly Beans, workshops, “Palka”, table tennis and a surprise visit from “Bindi”.Continue Reading
Visit of the Icon Mother of God “Softener of Evil Hearts” November 2025
From November 7th 2025, with the blessing of Archbishop George, the miraculous myrrh-streaming icon of the Mother of God “Softener of Evil Hearts” will be visiting Australia for veneration at its parishes throughout the Australian and New Zealand Diocese of ROCOR.
Brief Information on the Icon of the Mother of God “Softener of Evil Hearts”:
The icon began streaming myrrh in 1998, on the day of the glorification of Blessed Matrona of Moscow. Then, on August 12, 2000, the day of the Kursk nuclear submarine tragedy, bruises appeared on the icon. Subsequently, blood began appearing on it before other tragic events. Over time, believers began to report miracles associated with the icon.
It’s surprising that the icon of the Mother of God “Softener of Evil Hearts” was printed at the Sofrino factory and purchased in a regular church shop. It is famous not only in Russia but also abroad. The icon has visited virtually every major city in the country, as well as America, Europe, Australia, and Mount Athos. The icon continues to stream myrrh to this day.
Resolution of the Diocesan Assembly
Resolution of the Twenty-First Diocesan Assembly of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia:
Ukase Relating to Criminal Case
Please find attached an Ukase to Fr Boris Ignatievsky relating to outcomes of a sermon that was perceived as support for clergy involved with abuse.
Our Diocese condemns and does not tolerate any abuse, especially the abuse of minors.
Also reattached is the Announcement that was published on the ANZ ROCOR website last week as an additional reminder of the Diocese’ position and expectation of behaviour with these matters, in accordance with the Child Safe Policy of the Diocese (Policy on website).
Ukase: 
Announcement: 
Diocesan Youth Survey
The Diocese has released a survey to understand and plan the strategy for Youth Ministry and activities. This survey looks to understand the relationship young people have with the church and what they would see as a need to grow in the faith, build lasting relationships and grow as a disciple in Christ. The survey is for youth up to the age of 35, as well as parents of younger children.
We would also like to know if you are interested in receiving the upcoming Youth Newsletter and if you would like to be involved more officially in Youth Ministry, assisting or leading in the future – you can also note that in the survey.
You can use the QR code on the flyer above or use this link
Call For Photographs
The diocese is looking for updated photographs from each parish showing particularly the outside of the building and preferably during a significant feast or event. For example a cross procession on a feast day showing clergy and parishioners would be ideal.
These will be used in the future updating of the Diocesan Website. Please email applicable photos to youth.rocor.anz@gmail.com.