Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
19 Jul 25: 75th Anniversary of the Parish of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Perth
On Saturday, 19 July 2025, the parish of the Holy Chief Apostles Peter and Paul in Perth, Western Australia, celebrated its 75th anniversary since its founding.
To mark this joyful occasion, His Eminence George, Archbishop of Sydney Australia and New Zealand arrived from Sydney and was warmly greeted at the airport by the parish rector, Archpriest Sergei Okunev, and Deacon Vladimir Ivliev.
Archbishop George and the accompanying clergy proceeded to the church to venerate the holy icons, after which the parish sisterhood hosted a welcoming tea.
At 5:00 pm, Archbishop George presided over the All-Night Vigil with the Litia. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest Michael Protopopov, Dean of Western Australia, Archpriest Sergei Okunev, parish rector, Protodeacon Alexander and Deacon Vladimir Ivliev. Following the service, all were invited to a festive dinner.
The next morning, Sunday 20 July, at 9:30 am, the clergy and parishioners greeted Archbishop George and the Divine Liturgy commenced. Joining the clergy for this service were Priest Stanko from the Serbian Orthodox Church and Priest John Sullivan from St Mary’s Orthodox Mission (ROCOR), Dardanup, WA.
During the Sixth Hour, Archbishop George tonsured Paul Ivliev a reader and at the small entrance, Deacon Vladimir was elevated to the rank of Protodeacon.
The church was filled with parishioners, many of whom received the Holy Mysteries of Christ and the choir sang beautifully under the direction of Elena Orlov. At the end of the Liturgy, a moleben was served to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Archbishop George congratulated Fr. Sergei, Protodeacon Vladimir, Reader John and all parishioners on this special occasion and presented the parish with a Synodal Gramota (certificate of recognition) in honour of the jubilee.
The celebration concluded with a festive meal lovingly prepared by the parish sisterhood. This significant day left a lasting impression in the hearts of the faithful, filled with gratitude to God for the many years of spiritual life in the parish, which has become a true spiritual home for generations of Orthodox Christians in Perth.
That afternoon, Fr. John Sullivan drove Archbishop George and Fr Michael Protopopov to St Mary’s Mission in Dardanup, located several hours south of Perth. Vladyka spent time viewing the church property and meeting with parishioners of the mission. The following morning, Archbishop George flew back to Sydney.
