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==History==
In January 2003, the first New Zealand Clergy Conference of the Antiochian Archdiocese was chaired by Metropolitan Archbishop [[Paul (Saliba) of Australia and New Zealand]]. On the Saturday, Dr Ian Nield was ordained to the [[deacon|diaconate ]] and Fr Dcn Michael Elder was ordained to the priesthood[[priest]]hood; on the Sunday, Fr Dcn Ian Nield was ordained to the priesthood and Fr Victor Didenco, previously canonically released from the [[Moldovan Orthodox Church]], was received into the Antiochian Archdiocese and appointed head of mission in Christchurch.
In July 2003, in response to a growing Antiochian Orthodox presence in New Zealand, Met Abp Paul created the Deanery of New Zealand. At this point, there are six priests in the Deanery.
