Australian and New Zealand Diocese (ROCOR)

We, the hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, gathered for a Council of Bishops in the God-preserved city of Munich during the celebration of the Pentecost, in the blessed presence of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign.” This year we remember with sorrow the hundredth anniversary of the terrible, bloody events of 1917; we are at the same time filled with joy over the anniversary of the restoration of the patriarchate and the tenth anniversary of the reestablishment of unity within the Russian Church. (more…)

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.

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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!

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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