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2019 - The year in review - 31/12/2019
Tags: 2019

2019, the year in which we celebrated 70 years of Russian Orthodoxy in the Hunter Valley, was an eventful year in parish life. Happily, some significant improvements were made to our small church: the floor was polished for the first time in over fifty years, new carpets and furniture were purchased, and the long-planned extension to the sanctuary was completed to lock-up stage. We had six baptisms: Anastasia Crawford, Jason Greig, Ella James, Georgie Gooda, Alice Vigovska and Maximus Regan. Five of our older parishioners departed this life: Peter Schulha, Vitaly Korotkich, Rufina Tomalcheva, Nina Diamante and Galina Evteeva. Great Feasts celebrated during the year include the Nativity of Christ (Christmas), the Baptism of the Lord (Theophany), and the Dormition of the Mother of God. In January we were honoured to receive the revered Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God, and in May Bishop George visited and the Russian Orthodox Male Choir of Australia sang at Divine Liturgy.  In September our Russian-language playgroup Teremok celebrated 10 years of activity.  Our parish rector made pastoral visits to the Mid North Coast of New South Wales in June, September and December.  All the news from 2019 can be read here.  Glory be to God for all things! 


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The funeral of Galina Evteeva - 30/12/2019

On 30 December our parish rector served the funeral of Galina Evteeva. Galina, who was born in Russia in July 1946, departed this life on 24 December, just over twelve months after the untimely repose of her only son, Alexander. On the evening before her repose she received Anointing with Oil and the Prayer at the Departure of the Soul was read. We offer heartfelt condolences to Galina’s daughter-in-law Elena and to her grandchildren Sophia and David. Memory eternal!


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A third pastoral visit to the New South Wales Mid North Coast - 29/12/2019

With the blessing of Bishop George, on Saturday 28 December and Sunday 29 December our parish rector undertook a further pastoral visit to the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, the area between Forster-Tuncurry and Woolgoolga. On Sunday morning, the Twenty-Eighth Sunday after Pentecost and the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers, Divine Liturgy was served in Barraganyatti in the home of Evan and Katerina Cotten.  In his sermon at Divine Liturgy Father James spoke about the faithfulness of the Holy Forefathers despite all around them worshipping false gods, the Parable of the Banquet (Luke 14:16-24, the appointed Gospel reading), and the principles of Christian life that the Apostle Paul sets out in his Letter to the Colossians (3:4-11, the appointed Epistle reading).  Future visits to the Mid North Coast are planned for March, May, August and November 2020. In March, God willing, Divine Litugy will be served in Coffs Harbour. Those interested in this outreach initiative may contact the Mid North Coast Orthodox community by email.


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Services on 21-22 December, the Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost - 21/12/2019

On Saturday 21 December and Sunday 22 December we had services for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost and in honour of the Conception by Saint Anna of the Mother of God. At the request of some of our parishioners of Macedonian Orthodox tradition, Great Vespers with the blessing of wheat, wine, oil, and five loaves was served on Saturday evening.  Divine Liturgy was served as usual on Sunday morning. At the Prayer before the Amvon the prayer of blessing was read over a number of new subdeacons' vestments. It being the Sunday after the commemoration of Saint Nicholas on 19 December, a moleben to Saint Nicholas was served following Divine Liturgy. At Divine Liturgy and during the moleben prayers were offered for rain and for deliverance from fire. After the moleben the parish rector congratulated our warden, Nikolai Goura, on his recent name-day, and presented the newly-blessed vestments to Subdeacon Luke Goura, it being the fifteenth anniversary of his tonsure as a reader and the tenth anniversary of his ordination as subdeacon. A set of new white vestments was also presented to Subdeacon Vitaly Lupish in recognition of his long service.


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Pilgrimage to Tubabao, 17-27 February 2020 - 19/12/2019

With blessing of His Grace Bishop George of Canberra, Abbot Dorofei (Urusov) will be leading a pilgrimage to the island of Tubabao in The Phillippines.  In 1949-50 Tubabao was a place of refuge for Russians leaving China after the communist victory there in 1949.  The great hierarch and wonderworker of the Russian diaspora, Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco, lived and served on Tubabao during this time.  This pilgrimage will honour the place of his prayer and commemorate the Russian presence on the island.  The program will include Divine Liturgy, a memorial service, benevolent work including a dinner for the children of the island, creative evenings, visits to natural attractions, and cultural activities.  Contact details are available here, and some historical information is available here.


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A baptism - Maximus Regan - 08/12/2019

On Sunday 8 December the parish rector baptised Maximus Regan, the infant son of Matt and Katy Regan and a younger brother to Oliver.  Maximus, whose godparents were Natasha Goura and Andrew Regan, was baptised in honour of Saint Maximus the Confessor.  We warmly congratulate Matt, Katy, Natasha and Andrew, and wish the newly-baptised servant of God Maximus many years!


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Services on 7-8 December, the Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - 08/12/2019

On Saturday 7 December and Sunday 8 December we had services for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, the Leave-taking of the Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple, and in honour of Hieromartyr Clement, Bishop of Rome (+101 AD). Matins was served on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy was served on Sunday morning.  During Divine Liturgy prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine, and for Orthodox unity, and for rain. As Sunday 8 December was the first anniversary of the untimely repose of our parishioner Alexander Evteev, a pannikhida was served before the evening service on Saturday and a memorial litia was served following Divine Liturgy on Sunday. Following the litia his family and friends gathered in our church hall for a commemorative meal.


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Services on 23-24 November, the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost - 24/11/2019

On Saturday 23 November and Sunday 24 November we had services for the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost and in honour of Martyrs Menas of Egypt (+304 AD), Victor at Damascus (Second Century AD), and Vincent of Spain (+304 AD), together with Venerable Theodore the Studite (+826 AD). Matins was served on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy was served on Sunday morning. As Friday 22 November was the anniversary of the repose of the founder of our parish, the ever-memorable Archpriest John Lupish (+1977), a panikhida was served before Matins on Saturday evening and a litia was served after Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning. During Divine Liturgy prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine, and for Orthodox unity, and for rain. In his sermon the parish rector spoke about Venerable Theodore the Studite, a lesser-known saint who was nevertheless of immense significance in the history of the Orthodox veneration of icons, monasticism and liturgics. At the dismissal a collection was taken up to benefit the Fund for Assistance to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia,with $140.00 raised.


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Our Summer 2019-2020 Schedule of Services - 22/11/2019

Our Summer 2019-2020 Schedule of Services - covering December, January and February - is now available.  A copy of the English-language Summer 2019-2020 Schedule of Services is available here, and a copy of the Russian-language Summer 2019-2020 Schedule of Services is available here.  Printed copies in both languages will be available in church from the evening of Saturday 23 November.


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The Nineteenth Diocesan Assembly of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese is held in Strathfield, NSW - 17/11/2019

From the evening of Thursday 14 November until the afternoon of Sunday 17 November, our parish rector Archpriest James Carles, together with delegate Paul Pereboeff, participated in the work of the Nineteenth Diocesan Assembly of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia and the associated divine services.  The Assembly was held on the grounds of Saints Peter and Paul Diocesan Cathedral in Strathfield, NSW.  On Friday and Saturday the Assembly heard reports and considered proposals concerning the life and administration of the Diocese and its various parishes, missions, monasteries and organisations.  Consideration was also given to Diocesan observance of two significant anniversaries in 2020: the two hundredth anniversary of the first Russian Orthodox services in Australia, and the centenary of the foundation of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.  On Saturday a Diocesan Council was elected to assist His Grace Bishop George of Canberra administer the Diocese over the coming three years.  On Sunday morning the gathering of clergy and delegates from across Australia and New Zealand culminated in Divine Liturgy at which His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada presided together with Bishop George.  During the Divine Liturgy a number of clergymen received awards for their service to the Holy Orthodox Church.  Amongst those receiving awards were two clergymen who have served in our parish, Abbot Benjamin (Forbes) and Archpriest Daniel Metlenko, both of whom received the right to wear the jewelled pectoral cross.  Photographs of the service are available here.  Update on 22 January 2020: A copy of the final resolution of the Nineteenth Diocesan Assembly is available in Russian here and in English here.


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Services on 9-10 November, the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost - 10/11/2019

On Saturday 9 November and Sunday 10 November we had services for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost and in honour of Saint Job of Pochaev (+1651 AD). Matins was served on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy was served on Sunday morning.  After the Prayer before the Amvon a moleben was served before a copy of the “Unburnt Bush” Icon of the Mother of God for the deliverance of the New South Wales Mid North Coast and other place from cruel fires.  In His sermon the parish rector spoke about the significance of Saint Job of Pochaev and the Pochaev Monastery in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church and people.


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Services on 26-27 October, the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost - 27/10/2019

On Saturday 26 October and Sunday 27 October we had services for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost and in honour of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, convened in Nicaea in 787 AD. Matins was served on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy was served on Sunday morning. In his sermon the parish rector spoke about the view of the Holy Fathers that images of our Lord Jesus Christ, His Mother, the saints, and scenes from sacred history would lead the faithful to more fervently contemplate holy things. He noted the particular importance of this in our own times when unprofitable images are so prevalent.


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The funeral and burial of Christine Georgiou - 26/10/2019

On Saturday 26 October our parish rector served the funeral of Christine Georgiou.  Christine, who was born in Greece in September 1933, departed this life on 17 October in Gloucester, NSW, after having received Holy Communion and Anointing with Oil.  She was afterwards laid to rest on the family property in Dewitt, NSW, near Barrington Tops.  We offer heartfelt condolences to Christine’s daughter Nitsa, and to her many friends.  Memory eternal!


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The funeral of Nina Diamante - 16/10/2019

On Thursday 17 October our parish rector served the funeral of Nina Diamante (nee Kowalczuk).  The responses were sung by Readers Nektary Kotlaroff and Eustratius Papageorgiou of the Russian Orthodox Male Choir of Australia.  Nina, who was born in Minsk, Belarus, in 1936, departed this life on 10 October at 83 years of age.  She was afterwards laid to rest in a crypt at Sandgate Cemetery alongside her beloved husband Silvio.  We offer heartfelt condolences to Nina's children Maria, Anna, Peter and Paul and their families, and to her sister Maria and wider family.  May God grant His newly-departed handmaiden rest with the saints and life everlasting!


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Our 2019 Annual General Meeting - 14/10/2019

On Sunday 13 October our parish held its 2019 Annual General Meeting.  The 2019 Annual Report was presented and accepted.  Irene Lupish, Olga Bogacheva, Lucea Szabunia, Anu Kinnunen, Dean Crawford and Paul Pereboeff were elected to serve on the 2019-20 Parish Council.  Subdeacon Luke Goura and Elise Goura were elected Child Safety Contact Persons, and Paul Pereboeff were chosen as the parish delegate to the Nineteenth Diocesan Assembly.


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Services on 12-13 October, the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost - 13/10/2019

On Saturday 12 October and Sunday 13 October we had services for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost and in honour of Hieromartyr Gregory, enlightener of Greater Armenia (+c.335).  Matins was served on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy was served on Sunday morning.  In anticipation of the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, the patronal feast of the first Orthodox church in the Hunter Valley, Divine Liturgy on Sunday was preceded by a blessing of water and followed by a moleben to the Mother of God with a procession around the church.  At the end of the moleben Many Years was sung for Matushka Marie, who had celebrated her name-day on the previous day.  Following the service the 2019 Annual General Meeting of our parish was convened.


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Our 2019 Annual Report - 08/10/2019

Our 2019 Annual Report, including the independently audited 2018-19 Financial Statements, is now available.  The 2019 Annual Report will be presented to our parish Annual General Meeting (AGM) this coming Sunday, 13 October 2019.  A copy of the report is available in PDF form here.  Copies will be emailed to parish members this week .  We encourage our parishioners and friends with questions or comments in relation to our Annual Report to contact us.


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A second pastoral visit to the New South Wales Mid North Coast - 29/09/2019

With the blessing of Bishop George, on Saturday 28 September and Sunday 29 September our parish rector undertook a further pastoral visit to the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, the area between Forster-Tuncurry and Woolgoolga.  On Saturday morning a home was blessed in Wirrimbi, just north of Macksville, and on Sunday morning, the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost and the Sunday after the Great Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Divine Liturgy was served in Barraganyatti in the home of Evan and Katerina Cotten.  At the end of Divine Liturgy there was a blessing of water, after which an icon of Saint Symeon of Verkhoturye, the work of a member of the community, was blessed.  Later in the day beehives belonging to the Cotten family were blessed.  God willing, Father James will visit the area again at the end of December 2019, performing a baptism and serving Divine Liturgy in Coffs Harbour.  It is hoped that these visits will lead to the formal establishment of a mission under the heavenly protection of Saint Symeon, a revered saint of Siberia and the Russian Far East.  Those interested in this initiative may contact the Mid North Coast Orthodox community by email


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Services on 21-22 September, the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost - 22/09/2019

On Saturday 21 September and Sunday 22 September we had services for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, for the Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God, and in honour of the Holy Righteous Ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, the parents of the Holy Virgin Mary.  Matins was served on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy was served on Sunday morning.  In his sermon at Divine Liturgy the parish rector spoke about Saints Joachim and Anna as examples of faithfulness to one another and to God’s will.  Following Divine Liturgy an announcement was made concerning the forthcoming parish Annual General Meeting.


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Celebrating 10 years of our Russian-language playgroup, "Teremok" - 14/09/2019

On Saturday 14 September 2019 our Russian-language playgroup “Teremok” celebrated its tenth anniversary.  On a beautiful spring morning, playgroup families and friends gathered under the oak tree in our church yard to watch the children give a performance that included the Russian folktale “Repka” ("The Giant Turnip").  Afterwards there was morning tea with a large birthday cake for all to share.  Irene Lupish and Alla O’Regan gives speeches of congratulations and encouragement and the children enjoyed the visit of a petting zoo. We warmly congratulate playgroup coordinator Anastasia Harwood and all her helpers on this important anniversary.


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The funeral and burial of Rufina Tomalcheva - 10/09/2019

On Tuesday 10 September our parish rector served the funeral of Rufina Tomacheva (nee Balahnina).  The responses were sung by Reader Nekatry Kotlaroff, the conductor of the Russian Orthodox Male Choir of Australia.  Rufina, who was born in Kurgan, Russia, in 1936, departed this life on 4 September at 83 years of age.  She was afterwards laid to rest in Wallsend Cemetery with many other of our parishioners.  We offer hearfelt condolences to Rufina's daughter Irina and her family.  May God grant His newly-departed handmaiden rest with the saints and life everlasting!


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Services on 7-8 September, the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - 08/09/2019

On Saturday 7 September and Sunday 8 September we had services for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost and in honour of the Meeting of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God (1395 AD) and the Martyrs Adrian and Natalia of Nicomedia (+305-311 AD).  Matins was served on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy was served on Sunday morning.  At Divine Liturgy prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine, church unity, and the prosperity of the Russian Orthodox Church.  Following Divine Liturgy the parish rector announced that the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the parish would be held on Sunday 13 October 2019.


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Useful information about when weddings can be celebrated, together with a list of available dates in 2019 and 2020 - 30/08/2019

In conjunction with Saint Panteleimon Russian Orthodox Church, Gosford, our parish has developed and published an explanation of the reasons why weddings cannot be celebrated on certain days and dates and during certain seasons. It incorporates a list of Sundays and Fridays on which weddings can be celebrated that has now been updated to include Sundays and Fridays in 2020.  This information, which can be accessed either here or via our ‘Needs’ page under ‘Weddings’, has been prepared to help our parishioners and friends when planning weddings in parishes of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. Should anyone have any questions about this information, please contact us.


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Services on 27-28 August, the Great Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God - 28/08/2019

On Tuesday 27 August and Wednesday 28 August we had services for the Great Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God.  All-night vigil with the blessing of wheat, wine, oil and five loaves was served on Tuesday evening and Divine Liturgy was served on Wednesday morning.  On this day in 1949 - 70 years ago this year - that the first known Orthodox Christian services in the Hunter Valley were served by Archpriest John Lupish (+1977) in the Anglican chapel at Greta Migrant Camp.  At the end of Divine Liturgy on Wednesday prayers of thanksgiving were offered on the occasion of this significant anniversary. During the service prayers were also offered for peace in Ukraine and for Orthodox Christian unity.


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A baptism – Alice Vigovska - 25/08/2019

On Sunday 25 August the parish rector baptised 15 year-old Alice Vigovska, the daughter of Gennady Khalin and Olena Vigovska.  Alice, who was given the name Elena in baptism in honour of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Empress Elena, had as her godparents Nataliya Kravchenko and Victor Kravchenko.  We warmly congratulate Alice and her godparents, and pray that God will grant His newly-baptised handmaiden good health, every blessing from above, and many years!


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Services on 24-25 August, the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost - 25/08/2019

On Saturday 24 August and Sunday 25 August we had services for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, the Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, and in honour of Martyrs Photius and Anicetus (+305-306 AD).  At the end of Divine Liturgy on Sunday there was a blessing of honey, the jars of which were then distributed amongst the faithful.


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A memorial service at Greta Cemetery on the seventieth anniversary of the first Orthodox burial there - 24/08/2019

On 23 August 1949, just four days after his arrival in Australia, Archpriest John Lupish served the funeral of one year-old Irene Solomko. She was then laid to rest in the Greta Cemetery together with a number of other infants who died in an epidemic of measles that swept through the Greta Migrant Camp at that time.   Father John went on to preside at five more burials at Greta: Wsewolod (Vsevelod) Shipilow (+1949, a boy of 18 months), Larisa Klebakin (+1950), Lydia Elagin (+1956), Alexander Melnik (+1970) and Ivan Elagin (+1977).  In June 2015 our parish rector resolved that a general memorial service would be held in the Greta Cemetery each year on the Saturday closest to the anniversary of that first burial.  This year’s memorial service was held on Saturday 24 August.  Joining Father James for the service was Alex Schulha, the son of Peter and Nadezhda Schulha, one of the first couples married in Greta by Father John.  Prayers were offered for the repose of the ever-memorable Archpriest John (+1977), his matushka Maria (+1979), for Peter (+2019) and Nadezhda Schulha (+2006), and all those Orthodox Christians buried in the Greta Cemetery, amongst whom are a great many Ukrainian Orthodox.  May their memory be eternal!


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Our Spring 2019 Schedule of Services - 24/08/2019

Our Spring 2019 Schedule of Services - covering September, October and November - is now available in PDF format.  A copy of the English-language Spring 2019 Schedule of Services is available here, and a copy of the Russian-language Spring 2019 Schedule of Services is available here.  Printed copies in both languages are available in church as of Saturady 24 August 2019.  Regrettably, this year we will be unable to have services for the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God on 13-14 October and on the anniversary of the repose of Archpriest John Lupish (+1977) on 21-22 November.  In view of this, the lesser blessing of water and a moleben to the Mother of God will be served on Sunday 13 October and a pannikhida for Father John will be served at 5.00pm on Saturday 23 November.


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Services on 10-11 August, the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost - 11/08/2019

On Saturday 10 August and Sunday 11 August we had services for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost and in honour of Martyr Callinicus of Gangra in Asia Minor (3rd-4th C.).  In his sermon at Divine Liturgy on Sunday the parish rector spoke about the integrity and the heroic endurance of Martyr Callinicus and the importance of these things in bearing witness to the Christian faith, both in ancient times and in the present day.


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Now available - the July 2019 issue of "Word of the Church" ("Церковное Слово") - 01/08/2019

The July 2019 issue of “Word of the Church” (“Церковное Слово”), the official journal of the Australian-New Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, is now available in our parishes.  As usual, it contains a range of interesting articles in both Russian and English.  In Russian: “Богородице-Казанский Монастырь готовится отметить 60-летие”; “Православный Богословский Институт Святых Кирилла и Мефодия”; “Храмы и их история память о Романовых за Рубежом”; “О неприкосновенности жизни человека с момента зачатия”; and more.  In English: material concerning the twentieth anniversary of the Holy Fathers Mission in Warrnambool, Victoria; an article about the July 2019 residential school of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute; an interview with Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky), Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church; lives of the Orthodox Popes of Rome; and an article about why some priests can refuse to be spiritual fathers.  Copies are $5.00.


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Services on 27-28 July, the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost and the day of commemoration of Saint Vladimir, enlightener of the Russian people - 28/07/2019

On Saturday 27 July and Sunday 28 July we had services for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost and in honour of the Holy Fathers of the first six Ecumenical Councils and Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, enlightener of the Russian people (+AD 1015).  Serving together with the parish rector on Saturday evening was Protodeacon German Polorotov, a cleric of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Community and Saint Xenia church in Tweed Heads, NSW.  On the following morning a blessing of water was served at 8.00am in commemoration of the baptism of Rus’.  Joining Fathers James and German and presiding at Divine Liturgy was Archpriest Quentin de Castelbajac, rector of the parish of Saint John the Russian in Lyon, France.  Following the Prayer before the Amvon there was a brief moleben to Saint Vladimir, and at the dismissal the faithful were sprinkled with the holy water.


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Services on 13-14 July, the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - 14/07/2019

On Saturday 13 July and Sunday 14 July we had services for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost and in honour of the Holy Unmercenary Healers Cosmas and Damian of Rome (+284 AD).  In his sermon at Divine Liturgy the parish rector spoke about the way in which Saints Cosmas and Damian, gifted physicians, had radically applied the injunction of Christ: “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).  Noting that the kindness and selfless generosity of these two brother-saints had drawn many to the Gospel, he emphasised the importance of the pursuit of holiness in the Christian life as a means of revealing the truth to those around us.


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A baptism – Georgie Gooda - 13/07/2019

On Saturday 13 July the parish rector, Archpriest James Carles, baptised Georgie Gooda, the infant daughter of Jared Gooda and Katia Chernyshova.  Georgie, who was given the name Ksenia in baptism in honour of Blessed Ksenia of Saint Petersburg, had as her godparents her maternal grandmother Natalia Markuardt and Father James.  We warmly congratulate Jared and Katia, and pray that God will grant His newly-baptised handmaiden good health, every blessing from above, and many years!


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The Serbian Orthodox parish of Saint Naum of Ohrid celebrates its patronal feast - 06/07/2019

On Saturday 6 July the Saint Naum of Ohrid Serbian Orthodox parish in Broadmeadow celebrated its patronal feast-day (or “slava”).  Saint Naum, one of the disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Apostles to the Slavs, is commemorated on 3 July.  His Grace Siluan, Ruling Bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand, presided at Divine Liturgy, concelebrating with the rector of that parish, Presbyter Dalibor Pavlovic; our rector Archpriest James Carles; Presbyter Branko Bosancic, rector of Saint John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox parish in Wollongong, NSW); and Deacon Milosh Raketich.  Praying in church was Protopresbyter-Stavrophore Miodrag Peric, the Serbian Orthodox Dean of New South Wales, and many visitors from Sydney and Wollongong.  At the end of Divine Liturgy there was a threefold procession around the church with readings from the Holy Gospel and the blessing of the slavksi kolach – a special rounded loaf of bread - and of koliva.  Many gathered in the parish hall afterwards for a festive meal and a programme of spiritual and cultural items.


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Services on 29-30 June, the Second Sunday after Pentecost - 30/06/2019

On Saturday 29 June and Sunday 30 June we had services for the Second Sunday after Pentecost, the day of commemoration of All Saints who have shone forth in the land of Russia.  At Divine Liturgy prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine and the unity of the Orthodox Church and the Prayer for the Prosperity of the Russian Church was read.  In his sermon the parish rector spoke about the establishment in 1918 of the commemoration of All Saints of Russia, the icon of the feast painted by the ever-memorable Archimandrite Kyprian (Pyzhov) of Jordanville (+2001), and the importance of creating an environment in which holiness can flourish.


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The repose and funeral of Vitaly Korotkich - 25/06/2019

On Tuesday 18 June we learned with great sadness of the repose that morning of another of our oldest parishioners, church builder and long-serving chorister and Parish Council member Vitaly Korotkich (b.1925).  Our parish rector served the funeral in our church on Tuesday 25 June.  Vitaly was afterwards laid to rest at Wallsend Cemetery alongside his beloved wife Lydia (+1996).  Eternal memory!


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Services on 22-23 June, the First Sunday after Pentecost - 23/06/2019

On Saturday 22 June and Sunday 23 June we had services for the First Sunday after Pentecost, the Sunday of All Saints.  As it was the Day of Youth of the Russian Church Abroad, special prayers were offered for the children and young people of our parish and Diocese.  Following the dismissal, a memorial litia was served for the newly-reposed Vitaly Korotkich.


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A pastoral visit to the New South Wales Mid North Coast - 22/06/2019

With the blessing of Bishop George, on Friday 21 June and Saturday 22 June our parish rector undertook a pastoral visit to the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, the area between Forster-Tuncurry and Woolgoolga.  A home was blessed in Port Macquarie on Friday afternoon and on Saturday morning, the day of the Leavetaking of Pentecost, Divine Liturgy was served in the home of Evan and Katerina Cotten in Barraganyatti, a village mid-way between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.  Approximately 20 people gathered for Divine Liturgy, after which an eight year-old child, Aarya, the daughter of Ashish Sinha and Evgenia Biryukova, was baptised.  In baptism Aarya was given the name Anastasia.  At a festive meal afterwards those present enthusiastically discussed the possibility of further services and the establishment of a mission under the heavenly protection of Saint Symeon of Verkhoturye.  God willing, Father James will visit the area again at the end of September 2019, once again blessing homes and serving Divine Liturgy.  Those interested in this initiative may contact the Mid North Coast Orthodox community by email.


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The repose of Vitaly Korotkich - 18/06/2019

On Tuesday 18 June we learned with great sadness of the repose that morning of another of our oldest parishioners, church builder and long-serving chorister and Parish Council member Vitaly Korotkich.  Our parish rector will serve the funeral in our church at 10.00am on Tuesday 25 June 2019.  Vitaly will afterwards be laid to rest at Wallsend Cemetery alongside his beloved wife Lydia.  Eternal memory!


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The repose and funeral of Peter Schulha - 11/06/2019

On Friday 31 May we learned with great sadness of the repose on the previous day of one of our oldest parishioners, Peter Schulha of Metford (b.1926).  With Bishop George's blessing, our parish rector served the funeral at Saint Peter's Anglican Church, East Maitland on Tuesday 11 June.  Peter was afterwards laid to rest at East Maitland Cemetery alongside his beloved wife Nadia (+March 2006), his father George, and other family members.  Eternal memory!


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Services on 8-9 June, the Seventh Sunday of Pascha - 09/06/2019

On Saturday 8 June and Sunday 9 June we had services for the Seventh Sunday of Pascha and in honour of the 318 Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, convened in Nicaea (modern-day Iznik, Turkey) in 325 AD.  In his sermon at Divine Liturgy the parish rector spoke about the history and significance of the Council and of the importance of faithfulness, like that of the Fathers, to Apostolic teaching, Holy Scripture, and the tradition of the Orthodox Church.  Following the dismissal a litia was served for the repose of the soul of our newly-reposed parishioner, Peter Schulha.


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A baptism - Ella James - 08/06/2019

On Saturday 8 June the parish rector baptised Ella James, the four year-old daughter of Meeyeon (Salome) D’Arcy and Darren James.  Ella, who was baptised in honour of the New-Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth, had as her godparents Meejung Hughes, Parichat James, Mark Evans and Warren James.  We warmly congratulate Meeyeon, Darren, and Ella’s godparents, and pray that God will grant health and many years to His newly-baptised handmaiden Ella.


00042
Russian and other Orthodox Kids' Camp, 15-20 December 2019 - 01/06/2019

A group of young families working under the auspices of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin parish in Cabramatta, NSW, is again organising a camp for Russian and other Orthodox children and young people aged 8-17 to be held in Toukley, NSW - here on the Central Coast - from 15 December - 20 December 2019.  The cost will be $425.00 per person, or $399.00 if payment is made by 30 September 2019.  For those interested, more information is available here.


00043
The repose of Peter Schulha - 31/05/2019

On Friday 31 May we learned with great sadness of the repose on the previous day of one of our oldest parishioners, Peter Schulha of Metford.  With Bishop George's blessing, our parish rector will serve the funeral at Saint Peter's Anglican Church, East Maitland, at 10.00am on Tuesday 11 June 2019.  Peter will afterwards be laid to rest at East Maitland Cemetery alongside his beloved wife Nadia (+March 2006) and other family members.  Eternal memory!


00044
The Nineteenth Diocesan Assembly of the Australian New-Zealand Diocese is to be held in November 2019 - 29/05/2019

On 29 May 2019 His Grace Bishop George of Canberra advised parish rectors and monastic superiors that the Nineteenth Diocesan Assembly of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese would be convened at the Saints Peter and Paul Diocesan Cathedral in Strathfield, NSW, in November 2019.  Commencing on the evening of Thursday 14 November and concluding on the afternoon of Sunday 17 November, the Assembly will coincide with Diocesan celebrations of the thirty-fifth anniversary of Metropolitan Hilarion’s consecration to the episcopacy on 10 December 1984.  As all Diocesan clergy will be participating in the Assembly and associated commemorative activities, the only services in our Diocese on Saturday-Sunday 16-17 November will be at the Strathfield Cathedral.  Information about the Eighteenth Diocesan Assembly, held in Cabramatta in November 2016, is available here.


00045
Services on 25-26 May, the Fifth Sunday after Pascha - 26/05/2019

On Saturday 25 May and Sunday 26 May we had services for the Fifth Sunday of Pascha, the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman.  This Sunday is so named because the appointed reading from the Holy Gospel is the account of the conversation of Christ with the Samaritan Woman at Jacob's Well (John 4:5-42).  As our parish had celebrated its patronal feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas on Wednesday 22 May, His Grace Bishop George of Canberra visited us on Sunday and presided at Divine Liturgy.  Adding to the festivity of the occasion, the Russian Orthodox Male Choir of Australia sang at Divine Liturgy in place of our parish choir and following the service there was a moleben – or service of intercession - to Saint Nicholas, a procession around the church, and a festive lunch in the church hall for our parishioners and guests.  Joining us for the moleben were Priest Dalibor Pavlovic and parishioners from the Serbian Orthodox parish of Saint Naum of Ohrid in Broadmeadow.  In his sermon at Divine Liturgy Bishop George spoke about the need to choose between truth and falsehood.  Speaking in the hall during lunch, our parish rector welcomed Bishop George, Father Dalibor and his parishioners, and Reader Nektary Kotlaroff and the choir.  Noting that the faithful were encouraged to see young people in the diaspora holding fast to the faith and traditions of the Orthodox Church, he congratulated the members of the choir on their efforts and achievements to date.  He then wished them all the best for their trip to the United States in late 2019.


00046
Our Winter 2019 Schedule of Services - 25/05/2019

Our Winter 2019 Schedule of Services - covering June, July and August - is now available in PDF format.  Services of note during this period include the commemoration of All Saints of Russia on Saturday-Sunday 29-30 June, the commemoration of Saint Vladimir on Saturday-Sunday 27-28 July, the annual memorial service at Greta Cemetery on Saturday 24 August, and services for the Dormition of the Mother of God on Tuesday-Wednesday 27-28 August.  The services for the Dormition will also mark 70 years of Russian Orthodoxy in the Hunter Valley.  A copy of the English-language Winter 2019 Schedule of Services is available here, and a copy of the Russian-language Winter 2019 Schedule of Services is available here.  Printed copies in both languages are now available in church.


00047
Services on 21-22 May, Mid-Pentecost and the feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas - 22/05/2019

On Tuesday 21 May and Wednesday 22 May we had services for the feast of Mid-Pentecost and in honour of the patronal feast of our parish, the commemoration of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas from Myra in Lycia to Bari, Italy, in 1087 AD.  Mid-Pentecost is the twenty-fifth day of Pascha, half-way to the Great Feast of Pentecost on the fiftieth day. On this day the Orthodox Church commemorates Christ's teaching in the temple "in the midst of the Judaic feast" (John 7:14-30) and customarily blesses water as a sign of the grace of the Holy Spirit and with reference to the "living water" promised by our Lord Jesus Christ to all that believe in Him (John 7:37-38).  All-night vigil with the blessing of wheat, wine, oil and five loaves was served on Tuesday evening and Divine Liturgy was served on Wednesday morning following a Lesser Blessing of Water.  Our small week-day congregation was augmented with visitors from the Serbian and Macedonian communities in Newcastle, this commemoration of Saint Nicholas being greatly loved amongst the Slavic peoples.


00048
Services on 11-12 May, the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women - 12/05/2019

On Saturday 11 May and Sunday 12 May we had services for the Third Sunday of Pascha, the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women.  This Sunday is so named because the appointed reading from the Holy Gospel at Divine Liturgy (Mark 15:43-16:8) gives an account of the service to our Lord Jesus Christ of the Myrrh-Bearing Women and with them Righteous Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.  Amongst the Myrrh-Bearing Women the Orthodox Church includes Mary Magdalene; Mary, the wife of Cleopas; Joanna; Salome, mother of the sons of Zebedee; Susanna; Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus; and Mary, Mother of the Apostle James.  Following the Prayer before the Amvon the prayer at the breaking of the Artos was then read.  In place of a sermon, the parish rector read aloud the Paschal Epistle of Metropolitan Hilarion.  As it was Mothers’ Day, the parish rector congratulated the mothers of the parish and, after wishing them all help from God in their maternal duties, intoned “Many Years” for them.  Flowers were them presented to Matushka Marie on behalf of the parish and pieces of the blessed Artos were given to the faithful as they venerated the Cross.


00049
Services on 6-7 May, Radonitsa - 07/05/2019

On Monday 6 May and Tuesday 7 May we had services for the second Tuesday of Pascha, “Radonitsa” - the day of rejoicing.  In the practice of the Russian Orthodox Church, this is the first day after Pascha on which services for the departed are customarily offered.  Matins was served on Monday evening and Divine Liturgy was served on Tuesday morning.  Immediately following Divine Liturgy a general panikhida was served in church, at which all of the departed clergy of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese were mentioned by name, together with our departed parishioners, family members and friends.  Prayers were also offered for those who perished in the aircraft fire in Moscow on 5 May 2019.  Graveside litias were then served in Wallsend, Sandgate and East Maitland cemeteries.


00050
Holy Week and Pascha in Wallsend, 2019 - 28/04/2019

This year, our parish again had a number of traditional services for Holy Week and Pascha.  In the evening on Thursday 25 April, Great and Holy Thursday, Matins with the reading of the Twelve Passion Gospels was served.  On Friday 26 April, Great and Holy Friday, Vespers with the bringing out of the Shroud of Christ was served at 3.00pm.  On Saturday 27 April, Great and Holy Saturday, Midnight Office was served late in the evening, with Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy following in the early hours of Sunday 28 April, the Sunday of Pascha.  Easter baskets containing eggs, cakes and other festive foods were blessed following Matins.  Following Divine Liturgy, a small group of the faithful gathered in the church hall for a festive meal.


00051
Now available - the April 2019 issue of "Word of the Church" ("Церковное Слово") - 24/04/2019

The April 2019 issue of “Word of the Church” (“Церковное Слово”), the official journal of the Australian-New Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, is now available in our parishes.  As usual, it contains a range of interesting articles in both Russian and English.  In Russian: Пасхальное Послание Митрополита Илариона; "О призвании общественном служении женщины-христианки"; and more.  In English: The Paschal Epistle of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia; the Communique of the 2019 Lenten Conference of the Clergy of the Diocese; a brief obituary of Father Seraphim Slade;  details of a number of awards given to clergymen of the Diocese; and more.  A Russian-language copy of the decision of the Synod of Bishops to deprive Abbot Christopher (Vakhabov) of the priesthood is also included, together with an English-language translation. Copies are $5.00.


00052
Services on 19-20 April, Lazarus Saturday - 20/04/2019

On Friday 19 April and Saturday 20 April we had services for the sixth Saturday of Great Lent, Lazarus Saturday.  On this day the Orthodox Church commemorates the resurrection of Lazarus of Bethany from the dead after four days in the grave.  Many parishioners received Holy Communion at Divine Liturgy on Saturday morning.  At the end of the service palms and pussy-willow branches were blessed in anticipation of Palm Sunday and a collection was taken up to assist the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem.


00053
A General Service of Anointing with Oil - 16/04/2019

On the evening of Tuesday 16 April our parish rector presided at a General Service of Anointing with Oil.  Serving together with him was Priest Dalibor Pavlovic of the Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Nahum of Ohrid in Broadmeadow.  Together with the clergy, approximately 35 faithful from both parishes gathered in our church to pray and receive anointing with oil for the healing of soul and body.  For Orthodox Christians this service, otherwise served only for individuals who are grievously ill, is a customary part of Great Lent.


00054
A baptism - Jason Greig - 14/04/2019

On Sunday 14 April the parish rector baptised Jason Greig, the infant son of Chris Greig and Maria Olyunina.  He was baptised in honour of the Apostle Jason of the Seventy.  Jason had as his godparents Alexander and Virinea Sukhikh.  We warmly congratulate Chris, Maria, Alexander and Virinea and wish the newly-baptised Jason many years!


00055
Services on 13-14 April, the Fifth Sunday in Great Lent - 14/04/2019

On Saturday 13 April and Sunday 14 April we had services for the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent and in honour of Saint Mary of Egypt (c.421 AD).  After a period of three weeks without services, our small church looked beautiful with the floor newly sanded and polished for the first time since it was laid in the 1960s.  In his sermon at Divine Liturgy on Sunday the parish rector spoke about the life of Saint Mary of Egypt and of her as a model of repentance.  


00056
Services on 23-24 March, the Second Sunday of Great Lent - 24/03/2019

On Saturday 23 March and Sunday 24 March we had services for the Second Sunday of Great Lent and in honour of Saint Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica (+AD 1359).  As Saturday 23 March was a day of commemoration of the departed, the service on Saturday evening was preceded by a general panikhida at which many departed clergymen of our Diocese, parishioners, relatives and friends were commemorated by name.  In his sermon at Divine Liturgy on Sunday the parish rector spoke about the life and teaching of Saint Gregory Palamas and about the approachability and mercy of God.  Following Divine Liturgy a collection was taken up to benefit the Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY.


00057
Services on 9-10 March, the Sunday of Forgiveness and Cheesefare Sunday - 10/03/2019

On Saturday 9 March and Sunday 10 March we had services for the Sunday of Forgiveness and Cheesefare Sunday.  After the Prayer before the Amvon at Divine Liturgy on Sunday, the prayer of blessing was read over two beautiful new server's vestments, one red and one black.  At the end of Divine Liturgy the newly-blessed vestments - the work of the Convent of Saint Elisabeth in Minsk, Belarus - were presented to Subdeacon Luke Goura as a gift from the parish in antcipation of the fifteenth anniversary of his tonsure as a reader in May 2004.  Vespers was then served, during which the church vestments were changed from gold to black and the ordinary melodies gave way to the solemn melodies of Great Lent.  In accordance with Orthodox practice, at the end of Vespers all present asked forgiveness of one another.  At Bishop George’s request, a collection was taken up to benefit Saints Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute, the theological and higher education institute of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.


00058
Our Autumn 2019 Schedule of Services - 01/03/2019

Our Autumn 2019 Schedule of Services - covering March, April and May 2019 - is now available.  It includes all our services for Great Lent, Holy Week, Pascha, Radonitsa and our patronal feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas from Myra in Lycia to Bari.  A copy of the English-language Autumn 2019 Schedule of Services is available here, and a copy of the Russian-language Autumn 2019 Schedule of Services is available here.  Both can also be accessed on our Services page, and printed copies are available in church.


00059
A baptism - Anastasia Crawford - 23/02/2019

On Saturday 23 February the parish rector baptised Anastasia Crawford, the infant daughter of Stephen and Deborah Crawford and a younger sister to Florence. Anastasia had as her godparents Nathalie Crawford and Duncan Crawford.  We warmly congratulate Stephen, Deborah, Nathalie and Duncan and wish the the newly-baptised Anastasia many years!


00060
Services on 9-10 February, the Thirty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost - 10/02/2019

On Saturday 9 February and Sunday 10 February we had services for the Thirty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost and in honour of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia.  As this Sunday was the final Sunday before the beginning of the period of preparation for Great Lent, the first appointed reading from the Holy Gospel (Luke 19:1-10) at Divine Liturgy concerned Zaccheus, the tax collector from Jericho who changed his way of life after encountering Christ and receiving Him into his home.  In his sermon at Divine Liturgy on Sunday the parish rector spoke about Zaccheus as a model of repentance and the New Martyrs and Confessors as models of faithfulness to Christ in the face of persecution.  Following Divine Liturgy announcements were made concerning the forthcoming collection to assist Orthodox Action and the rescheduled parish Annual General Meeting to be held on Sunday 24 February 2019.


00061
Services on 26-27 January, the Thirty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - 27/01/2019

On Saturday 26 January and Sunday 27 January we had services for the Thirty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost and the Leavetaking of the Great Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  Matins on Saturday evening was served by Father Dionysios Halim and Protodeacon German Polorotoff, a cleric of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Community in Tweed Heads, NSW.  On Sunday morning our parish rector Archpriest James Carles presided at Divine Liturgy for the first time since November 2018, concelebrating together with Fathers Dionysios and German.  At the Prayer before the Amvon a brief moleben of thanksgiving was served in recognition of the work of the former Theophany parish of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) (1994-2009), and following the dismissal prayers were offered for the living and departed founders, benefactors and parishioners of that church.  At the conclusion of the service our parish rector thanked Father Dionysios for his work in the parish and his personal support over the previous two months, presenting him with a copy of the parish icon of the Mother of God, “Protectress of Newcastle”.  A festive meal was then held in to church hall in honour of the parish rector’s fiftieth birthday.


00062
A visit of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God to our parish - 25/01/2019

On Friday 25 January our small parish had the great honour of receiving the revered Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God, one of the great treasures of the Russian Orthodox Church and the “Directress” of the Russian Diaspora.  A small group of the Russian and Serbian Orthodox faithful of Newcastle gathered early in the evening for a moleben to the Mother of God with the reading of the Akathist in Slavonic and English.  Following the service the faithful venerated the icon and were anointed with oil from the map that burns before it in the cathedral dedicated to it in New York.


00063
Services on 18-19 January, the Great Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Theophany) - 19/01/2019

On Friday 18 January and Saturday 19 January we had services for the Great Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ - Theophany. All-night vigil - Great Compline and Matins - withe the blessing of wheat, wine, oil and five loaves was served on Friday evening and Divine Liturgy with the Great Blessing of Water was served on Saturday morning.  The services were led by Father Dionysios Halim, with our parish rector concelebrating at Divine Liturgy and the Great Blessing of Water.


00064
Services on 12-13 January, the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ - 12/01/2019

On Saturday 12 January and Sunday 13 January we had services for the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ and in honour of Saints Joseph the Betrothed, David the King and James the Brother of the Lord, kinsmen of the Lord customarily remembered on this Sunday. Our parish rector served at Divine Liturgy for the first time since November 2018, concelebrating with Father Dionysios Halim.


00065
Services on 6-7 January, the Great Feast of the Nativity of Christ (Christmas) - 07/01/2019

On Sunday 6 January and Monday 7 January we had services for the Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ. The services were led by Father Dionysios Halim, with our parish rector joining him during the evening service for the customary blessing of wheat, wine, oil and five loaves and the singing of the festal magnification. Our small church was beautifully adorned with a Christmas tree and green branches. On Monday the faithful from across the Hunter Valley and from Sydney, the Central Coast and the Mid North Coast gathered for Divine Liturgy. In place of a sermon, our parish rector read aloud the Nativity Epistle of Metropolitan Hilarion in Russian and English. Many remained afterwards for a festive meal in the church hall and a visit from Father Christmas.


00066
Now available - the January 2019 issue of "Word of the Church" ("Церковное Слово") - 01/01/2019

The January 2019 issue of “Word of the Church” (“Церковное Слово”), the official journal of the Australian-New Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, is now available in our parishes. As usual, it contains a range of interesting articles in both Russian and English. In Russian: “Послание Архиерейского Синода Клиру и Пастве Русской Зарубежной Церкви”; "Патриаршество на Руси"; "Торжество Православия – торжество здравого смысла”; and more. In English: “The Epistle of the Synod of Bishops to the Clergy and Flock of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia”; “Prototypes of the Nativity: What did prophets say about the coming of the Saviour?”; “Where do liturgical colours come from?”; “A list of last minute rules and suggestions in preparation for Great Lent”; and more. Also included is a useful list of Diocesan parishes, monastic establishments and clergy. Copies are $5.00.


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