Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
2 Jan 26: Brisbane Youth Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Kazan Convent Kentlyn
From 26-30 December 2025, Fr Gabriel Makarov accompanied a group of 18 youth to the Kazan Convent in Kentlyn to stay at the convent and fulfill physical obediences with the aim of acquiring some spiritual experience and contributing to the monastery and its sisters through their physical labour.
With the blessing of Archbishop George and the convent’s Abbess Maria (Miros), the pilgrimage was organised by the Brisbane St Nicholas Cathedral Youth and included youth from 3 other parishes in the Northern Deanery. During the convent stay, 4 other young men from Perth and Sydney also joined the group and participated in much of the pilgrimage programme.
For most of the youth, this was their first visit to a Russian Orthodox monastery. The days were filled with prayer, church services and of course, obediences. A series of uplifting spiritual talks were given by Abbess Maria, Fr Nikita Chemodakov, Abbott Dorofei (Urusau) and Fr Gabriel Makarov, covering a very wide range of topics previously suggested by the youth. At various times, Abbess Maria also took aside the young ladies in the group and spoke to them separately. (more…)
An amazing start to the first Adelaide Syezd in 30 years!
Day one in Geelong kicked off with registration and a Mexican themed dinner, followed by a Moleben in the church. The night continued with fun games and getting to know each other before finishing with evening prayers and heading off to the accommodation, the perfect start to the retreat