Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
31 Dec 25: Syezd 2025 – Adelaide
An amazing start to the first Adelaide Syezd in 30 years!
We welcome everyone to Syezd and had a moleben, followed by fun icebreakers + dinner. Excited for the coming days
Day 2 of Syezd 2025 began with the morning run club getting up early at 6:30. In the morning we had our first talk given by Fr George Lapardin, followed by morning tea and group discussions. Thank you to Sister Maria, Fr Barnabas, Fr George, Fr Vlad, Fr Paul as well as Fr Jovan and Fr Milorad from the Serbian church who came to participate in the group discussions.
Later in the day, Fr Andrei Sommer from America arrived and gave a talk about orthodox identity. After this we had a gingerbread challenge where participants competed to build the best church out of gingerbread . The day concluded with Vespers.
Day 3 started early with liturgy at St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Adelaide with the syezd choir conducted by Sasha Rouss. After the service we had lunch catered by the sisterhood then headed off to Barossa Valley for some wine tasting. Once we returned to the venue, Dasha Tokareff led a social dancing workshop
The last full day of Syezd was eventful – beginning with a lecture by Fr Benjamin. Then Fr Andrei gave a workshop where participants brainstormed ways to build a church “from the inside out”. After lunch we had a lecture given by Dr Danijel on the parable of the failed vineyard in the Old Testament Participants then had a choice of three workshops: beaded cross making by matushka Marina, Slavonic reading by Fr Vlad and singing by our talented conductor, Sasha Rouss. During free time, the boys enjoyed a game of soccer
The day concluded with a delicious dinner followed by a talent show. Congratulations to the winners – the Simchiki
