Australian and New Zealand Diocese (ROCOR)

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Nativity of our Lord – All Night Vigil:

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Nativity Epistle of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion
of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
To the archpastors and brethren, the most honorable fathers, & all the Orthodox children of the Russian Diaspora, beloved in the Lord!

Seeing man perishing, whom He had created
with His own hands, the Creator, bowing
down the heavens, descendeth, and taketh on
the whole of human nature through the pure
Virgin, becoming truly incarnate, in that He
is all-glorious”
(Canon I of Christmas Matins, Ode I,
troparion 2, composed by St. Cosmas of Maiuma)

To the archpastors and brethren, the most honorable fathers,
& all the Orthodox children of the Russian Diaspora,
beloved in the Lord!

With these words of the Nativity Canon, so great in their profundity, we glorify Christ the Savior Who has now been born of the Virgin. Profound and substantial are the divine services in honor of this great feast, the Nativity of Christ. The words of its hymns and prayers are imbued with the glad tidings of the redemption of the human race, of the incomprehensible and glorious event of the divine Incarnation, which is revealed as the Savior’s great loving-kindness toward us sinners!

Christ is now born of the Virgin, so that, having taken upon Himself human nature, He might bring an end to the cruel power of the tormenter of souls, the devil; for only a God Who had become man could deliver us from it. The Master of creation, Whom the angels and the whole world He created obey, lies humbly, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and forgives our offenses, calling us all to a life renewed! (more…)

The 16th Conference of Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand was held at SS Peter and Paul Cathedral in Strathfield, Australia on the 26th-27th of December.

His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Australia and New Zealand spoke to the Editor of the Unification newspaper on the events planned for the conference:

“This diocesan conference is held every three years. It is a very important part of diocesan life. The participants in these conferences gather from various parts of Australia and New Zealand and get the opportunity to socialize as well as discuss ongoing matters. Such meetings unify the clergymen and laity of our diocese. The conferences include reports on recent events in the diocese since the previous conference, and more important questions which affect the entire diocese are discussed and resolved. A new Diocesan Council is elected at these conferences, consisting of five priests and five laypersons. The members of the Council become the closest advisors of the diocesan ruling bishop. Between conferences, the Council convenes every two or three months and makes decisions on important administrative and managerial matters.” (more…)

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Circular Letter regarding the 16th Diocesan Assembly

in English: по-русски:

Register soon to secure one of just 120 places available at this year’s Syezd! To be held over three full days and four nights at Treetops Resort Avoca Beach on the beautiful NSW Central Coast, Syezd 2010 offers an interesting and relevant programme of lectures, panel discussions and workshops; Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on December 30, the day of commemoration of the Holy Prophet Daniel; Lenten meals served in the resort restaurant; an opportunity to meet and mix with clergy and young people from across our Diocese; and time to relax at the resort or at nearby Avoca Beach.

Download the Syezd brochure and application form: here. (more…)

Friends of Indonesia – Australia
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion

Friends of Indonesia-Australia was established in July 2010 to aid the priests and parishes of the Indonesian Orthodox Church (Gereja Orthodox Indonesia – GOI) who make up the Indonesian Deanery of  ROCOR’s Australian and New Zealand Diocese.

Mount Merapi Volcano Eruption Refugee Appeal

The active volcano Mount Merapi on the Indonesian island of Java erupted on the 25th of October. It continues to spew hot gases and ash as far as 5,000 meters into the atmosphere, wreaking havoc on surrounding villages and farms, and disrupting air travel. 194 people have been killed, and at least 350,000 fled their homes, and cannot yet return because of the danger of further eruptions.

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Dear Brother Archpastors, Honorable Fathers, Dear in the Lord Brothers and Sisters:

November 21, the feast day of the Synaxis of Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, marks the 25th anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky) of blessed memory, the third Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, one of my predecessors on the Cathedra of the Eastern American Diocese, who consecrated my unworthiness to the episcopate in 1984. On this day, I will celebrate Divine Liturgy in Archangel Michael Church in Paterson, NJ, after which a memorial trapeza will be held in the parish hall, where a lecture on the biography of the esteemed Vladyka Philaret will be read with a presentation of rare photographs. That same day His Grace Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, will perform a memorial service at his crypt in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. (more…)