Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
17 Nov 25: The first church in Australia dedicated to St John of Kronstadt
On the feast day of St John of Kronstadt, 1 November, a new church was consecrated in Australia in honour of this great servant of God. This is the first church on the fifth continent dedicated to the “Father of All Russia.”
The church is located on the grounds of Kronstadt Gardens (RusCare), whose heavenly patron for seventy years has been St John of Kronstadt. The Chairman of the Board of RusCare and the rector of the church, Archpriest Michael Protopopov, devoted great effort to bringing this vision to life. The new church has been built in the style of 15th-century Russian wooden architecture, lending it a unique warmth and spiritual beauty.
The consecration was attended by clergy of the Australian and New Zealand Diocese, and the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop George.
Guests from Russia also participated in the celebrations, including Archpriest Vasily Melnichuk, Priest Ioann Ilnitsky with Matushka Natalia, and Colonel Valery Ivanovich Annenko of the Kuban Cossack Host.
The event was honoured by the presence of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Australia, Mikhail Ivanovich Petrakov, accompanied by Embassy Secretary Ruslan Arutyunov. Together with parishioners, the celebration was attended by Roman Dubinin, Chairman of the Russian-Australian Friendship Society, Mr Ivan Milovanovic, Chairman of the Russian House in Melbourne, and Alena Ilina, Vice-Chair of the Russian Ethnic Representation of Victoria.
Following the service, at the festive meal, the rector, Fr. Michael, presented certificates of honour and the Society’s medal to the builders and benefactors who contributed their work and donations to the creation of the church. Guests from Russia presented valuable icons to the church as gifts.
In his welcoming address, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation highlighted the spiritual legacy of St. John of Kronstadt in serving others, emphasising:
“The Orthodox Church is not only a place of prayer; it is a home where our cultural roots, language, memory of ancestors, and traditions of neighbourly support are preserved. Here everyone can find comfort and assistance, and feel part of a large, united family. Spiritual values unite people, strengthen them in the face of all trials, and lay a solid foundation for the future.”
Archpriest Michael Protopopov conducted a tour of the Museum of Russian Culture and Historical Heritage at RusCare in Dandenong. Archpriest Peter Hill introduced the Ambassador and guests to the Orthodox Institute of Saints Cyril and Methodius, located on the RusCare grounds.
This event became a true celebration of faith and unity. It brought together people of different generations and backgrounds, uniting them in a shared sense of spiritual kinship. On that day it was especially evident that the Russian soul knows no distances or borders. It lives in faith, tradition, kindness, and love for the Motherland.
Even under the southern sky of Australia, the living Russian prayer resounds — and one great, united Russian heart beats.
