Theodore (Rafalsky) of Sydney

This article forms part of the series Orthodoxy in Australasia

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The Right Reverend Theodore (Rafalsky) was the first bishop of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand within the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. He was accepted from the Ukrainian Autonomous Orthodox Church into the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia on May 6, 1946, and became the first bishop of Australia and New Zealand, posted in Brisbane.

Even though he was accepted by ROCOR in 1946, the stringent entry requirements during the early part of the Cold War, for both acquiring an Australian visa and obtaining medical clearance, meant that Bp. Theodore was not able to take up his post until November 1948. He served the Church in Australia and New Zealand from 1948 until his repose on May 6, 1955. He was buried at his cathedral in Sydney, Australia.

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Succession box: Theodore (Rafalsky) of Sydney
Preceded by: Alexis (Gromadsky)	Bishop of Rovno and Ostrog (UAOC) 1942-1945	Succeeded by: Iriney (Seredny)
Preceded by: Dionysius (Prozorovsky)	Temporary Administrator of the Diocese of Rostov and Taganrog (UAOC) 1942-1943	Succeeded by: ?
Preceded by: see created	Bishop of Brisbane and Australia and New Zealand (ROCOR) 1948-1949	Succeeded by: —
Preceded by: —	Archbishop of Brisbane, Australia and New Zealand (ROCOR) 1949-1950	Succeeded by: —
Preceded by: —	Archbishop of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand (ROCOR) 1950-1955	Succeeded by: Sava (Rayevsky)

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• Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia
• Ровенская и Острожская епархия Украинской Православной Церкви Открытая православная энциклопедия «Древо»
• Православная Церковь на Украине в годы немецкой оккупации (1941-1944) Единая Русь