: Clergy Gathering from the English-language Parishes and Missions

On 8 December 2016, with the blessing of His Grace George, Bishop of Canberra, the first teleconference for all clergy of the ROCOR Diocese of Australia and New Zealand who are assigned to English-language parishes and missions was held.

Fr Andrew Smith (Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Brisbane) welcomed all those who were able to attend this unprecedented gathering, and talks were given by Fr Peter Hill (St Patrick’s Orthodox Mission, Adelaide) and Fr Kyril (Holy Ascension Orthodox Mission, Melbourne). At the conclusion of each of these talks, there was time for the assembled clergy to ask questions and share their experiences.

It was agreed that these teleconferences needed to be held regularly, for the mutual support and encouragement of clergy who are often far from others who serve in a similar context, and the clergy departed giving thanks to God for our time of long-distance fellowship.

Fr Andrew Smith