Most Reverend brother Archpastors, Reverend Fathers, beloved brothers, sisters and children in Christ!

I address the fullness of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia with heartfelt Christmas greetings for the first time. I am in need of God’s great mercy, which completes that which is wanting, for the new and lofty ministry which has been placed upon me. I request your prayers for the Lord to strengthen me in this new and responsible obedience.

During these holy days I congratulate you with the great feast of the Nativity of Christ from the distant city of Sydney, the cathedral see of the Australian and New Zealand Diocese. It is my prayer that we may all partake of that sublime and inalienable peace, of which the angels sang on that holy night above the town of Bethlehem, when “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14).Continue Reading

Resolution of the 44th Australian and New Zealand Diocesan Youth Conference
December 26 – 30, 2008
Gold Coast, Queensland.

We, the participants of the 44th Australian and New Zealand Diocesan Youth Conference, gathered on the Gold Coast, Queensland, from December 26-30, 2008, in the presence of His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, together with our priests and deacons, wish to express our joy for the opportunity to learn about our Orthodox Faith and Russian heritage, and to grow spiritually through the grace of the concelebrated Divine Liturgy in Brisbane.Continue Reading

DIOCESAN ANNOUNCEMENT: A recent news item concerning services in the Antarctic contains erroneous information pertaining Metropolitan Hilarion.  His Eminence will remain in the Australian and New Zealand Diocese until 22nd January 2009 and will lead the services for both The Nativity and The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ at the Diocesan Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Strathfield, Sydney.