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History of Antiochian Orthodoxy in Australasia

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{{orthodoxyinaustralasia}}
Similar to most other jurisdictions in Australia, and other parts of the 'diaspora', a detailed early '''history of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, and New Zealand, and All Oceania''' is better told in terms of cities, which later formed into the [[diocese]], rather than the other way around.
==Pan-Orthodox Community Churches under Jerusalem==The first wave of Lebanese, then called Syrian, immigration was in the 1880-1890s, where when work was found in hawking and peddling goods in the country areas of the eastern states of Australiaand in Dunedin. The first place of worship was usually Antiochian Orthodox faithful in Australia took part in the state capital cities construction of a community church dedicated to the Holy Trinity in Surry Hills, Sydney , and to the Holy Annunciation, East Melbourne, with a the Greek and Russian Orthodox faithful. [[Priest]]s able to speak Greek speaking priest who also spoke and Arabic and , sometimes , Russian too, were later provided by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem. Services were done in different 'old-world' languages, servers of the parishes were from various immigrant backgrounds, and [[icon]]s were donated by people from all Orthodox ethnicities.
==Exarchate==Problems overseas created local catastrophes. The Antiochian Orthodox faithful took 1898 deposition of the Greek speaking Patriarch of Antioch, and the subsequent 1899 election of an Arabic speaking Patriarch of Antioch, caused an adverse reaction on the part in of hellenophonic patriarchates. The [[Patriarchate of Constantinople]] awarded the construction jurisdiction of a community church dedicated overseas parishes to the Holy Trinity newly-recognised [[Church of Greece]] in Surry Hills, Sydney1908, with the stipulation that services be in Ecclesiastical Greek and Russian Orthodox faithful. A priest was later provided by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem.
By In Sydney, the early twentieth centuryeffect was virtually immediate; in Melbourne, a significant number of Lebanese had settled in Melbournepriest who could speak Arabic was there until the 1920s. These families kept In response, the Syrian communities took to meeting in contact with each otherindividual homes, working as hawkers, shopkeepers, or wholesalersonly going to the Greek Orthodox [[parish]] for necessities, during the weekmainly baptisms, weddings and using the weekend for social activities including meeting in the Exhibition Gardens on Sundaysfunerals. The first Some of the Antiochian Orthodox church in Melbourne, Holy Annunciation, was established in East Melbourne as a result lieu of the joint effort by Greek-speakinganother alternative, Arabic-speaking, and Russian speaking Orthodoxchose to send their children to Anglican or Protestant Sunday schools. The services were in both Greek and Arabic However, The altar servers were of neither the now-Greek and Lebanese/Syrian descent, some Orthodox parish nor various protestant groups could meet the needs of the icons were donated by Lebanese/Syrians, and the first warden Antiochian Orthodox: it was Lebaneseobviously necessary to found Antiochian Orthodox parishes.
==Exarchate=Church of St George, Sydney===Problems overseas created local catastrophes. The 1898 deposition of the Greek speaking Patriarch of AntiochIn 1913, and Father [[Nicholas Shehadie]] was sent to Australia as Exarch to determine the subsequent 1899 election extent of an Arabic speaking Patriarch of Antioch, caused a reaction on the part of the old-world patriarchatesproblem and to find possible solutions. The Patriarchate of Constantinople awarded the jurisdiction of overseas parishes While this was intended to be temporary, World War I intervened preventing Father Nicholas from returning to Lebanon where his family resided. Hence, his stay became permanent. He realised the newly-recognised need for a [[Church of Greecechurch]] for the Antiochian Orthodox, and determined to build it. Divine Liturgy was held in 1908, with the stipulation parishioners' homes until that services be in Ecclesiastical Greektime.
In Sydney, the effect was virtually immediate; in Melbourne, The state government leased a priest who could speak Arabic was there until block of land to the 1920s. In response, church on the Syrian communities took to meeting in individual homes, only going to the Greek Orthodox parish for necessities, mainly baptisms, weddings corner of Walker and funeralsRedfern Streets Redfern. Some of the The first Antiochian Orthodox, in lieu of another alternative, chose to send their children to Anglican or Protestant Sunday schools. However, neither the now-Greek Orthodox parish nor various protestant groups could meet church was built there and placed under the needs patronage of the Antiochian Orthodox: it was obviously necessary to found Antiochian Orthodox parishesSaint George.
===Sydney===In 19131934, Exarch Nicholas Shehadie, suffering from chronic asthma, reposed in his early 70s. Then his second son, Father [[Nicholas Michael Shehadie|Michael]] was sent to Australia as Exarch to determine , became a priest. During the time of his presbyterate at the extent Church of Saint George, the problem government revoked the church lease, resumed the land for housing development, and to find possible solutionsdemolished the church. While this was intended Fr Michael vigorously pressured the government to be temporaryprovide a new site, and in 1950 they were granted land at the corner of Walker and Cooper Streets in Redfern, World War I intervened preventing Father Nicholas from returning to Lebanon where his family residedthe church - now a [[cathedral]] - stands today. Hence However, his stay became permanentFr Michael never saw it built. He realised In 1951, aged 56, worn out by the need for a church for battle with the Antiochian Orthodoxstate government, and determined to build it. Divine Liturgy was held in parishioners' homes until that timehe reposed.
The State Government leased a block In 1953, V Rev [[Malatius Hussney (Sydney)|Malatius Hussney]] was appointed Patriarchal Exarch and [[rector]] of St George. During his time as rector, the foundation stone for the new church was laid, with the first services in 1954. He was succeeded by Archim. [[Anthony Woolf]], who was Patriarchal Exarch and rector 1957-61. Following the death in Cairo of land Archim. Anthony, Rev Fr Anthony Chidiac was appointed to serve the Church parish of St George in Redfern. He died in a motor vehicle accident on [[October 19]], 1962. In January 1963 a visiting priest from Kousba, Lebanon, V Rev Exarch Emilianos Shehadie served the corner parish until 17 July 1963. On [[September 22]], 1963, by kind permission of Walker and Redfern Streets Redfern. The first Antiochian Archbishop Ezekiel ([[Greek Orthodox church was built there Archdiocese of Australia and placed under New Zealand|GOA]]), Rev Fr John Catsaras, formerly of Sfax in Tunisia, temporarily served the patronage of Saint Georgeparish.
In 1934On [[June 18]], Exarch Nicholas Shehadie1964, suffering Fr Nicolas Mansour arrived in Sydney from chronic asthmaBeirut, reposed in his early 70s. Then his second sonLebanon, and commenced duties as [[Michael Shehadie|Michaelparish]] priest with a liturgy on Sunday [[June 21]], became a priest1964. During the time of Soon after his presbyterate at arrival, the Church church was consecrated by Bp [[Dionysios (Psiahas) of Saint GeorgeProussa|Dionysios]] (GOA), the government lease expired. Fr Michael worked with the government to find a new site and, in 1950, they were granted land at 1967 the corner of Walker church hall and Cooper Sts, Redfern, where the church - now cathedral - stands todaypresbytery were completed. However, Fr Michael never saw it built. In 1951, aged 56, he reposedthe spread of Antiochian faithful all over New South Wales was too much for one parish priest.
In 1953At the request of Fr Nicolas, the Church of Antioch sent Archimandrite Gibran to Australia to find out how to solve the problem. On Archim. Gibran's recommendations, V Rev the [[Malatius Hussney (Sydney)|Malatius HussneyHoly Synod]] elevated the Exarchate of Australia and New Zealand to a patriarchal diocese. Archim. Gibran was consecrated a [[bishop]] and appointed [[Patriarchal Exarch and rector Vicar]] of St George. During his time as rector, the foundation stone for the new church was laid, with the first services in 1954. He was succeeded by Archim. [[Anthony Woolfdiocese]], who was Patriarchal Exarch and rector 1957-61.
Following ===Church of St Nicholas, Melbourne===In 1929, James Batrouney visited Lebanon/Syria, met Archimandrite [[Antonious (Mobayed)]], and on his return to Melbourne, Archim. Antonious was recommended as a suitable priest (being well-educated and speaking Arabic, Russian and Greek) for the death church in Cairo Melbourne. Patriarch Arsanios of Antioch commissioned Archim. Anthony, Rev Fr Anthony Chidiac was appointed to serve Antonious as the parish first priest of St George the Antiochian Orthodox Church in RedfernVictoria. He died in a motor vehicle accident arrived on 19 October 1962[[November 12]], 1931, bringing and donating everything essential for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Some of these items can still be found at Saint Nicholas Church today.
The first services were held in Saint George Anglican Mission, the beginning of a long and amicable relationship between Anglicans and Orthodox in Victoria. In January 1963 March 1932 the community purchased a visiting priest church, where Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church stands today, using four £125 donations from KousbaJohn Batrouney, Joseph & Walter Davis, and Alex Malouly. The iconostasis, based on the iconostasis of the [[Holy Resurrection Cathedral (Tokyo, Japan)|Holy Resurrection Cathedral]], Tokyo, was completed by Palm Sunday, 1932, when the first service was held in the Church. At the first council meeting of May 1932, it was decided to name the church after St Nicholas. The church was consecrated on [[October 1]], Lebanon1933 by Metropolitan [[Timotheos (Evangelinidis) of Rhodes|Timotheos]], the head of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Australia and New Zealand. The consecration, attended by an Anglican minister, V Rev Exarch Emilianos Shehadie served . F.E. Maynard, and the parish until 17 July 1963Greek and French consuls, was chanted in Arabic, English, Greek, and Slavonic.
On 22 September 1963 by kind permission of Greek Archbishop EzekielSaint Nicholas included both Arabic members and Russian members, the latter group also contributing to bringing Archim. Antonious to Australia, converting the church into an Orthodox church, writing icons, Rev Fr John Catsarasand organising a choir which would chant the Liturgy in Slavonic on every fourth Sunday. When the Russians established their first church in Melbourne in the early 1950s, formerly the committee of Sfax Saint Nicholas donated a Slavonic Bible in Tunisia temporarily served memory of Archim. Antonious, and as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the Syrian/Lebanese and the parishRussians.
The With Arabic and Slavonic choirs, a youth society, Syrian/Lebanese youth that knew the service in Arabic, and a priest willing assistance of to travel to Sydney, Adelaide and New Zealand to raise funds for the Greek fledgling church, St Nicholas had been built into a strong, pan-Orthodox hierarchs since their arrival in Australia in 1924 church. However, after a short illness, Archim. Antonious reposed on [[November 9]], 1943. He was notableburied by Metropolitan Timotheos, assisted by Archimandrite [[Theophylactos (Papathanasopoulos) of Australia and was especially so with Archbishop EzekielNew Zealand|Theophylactos]] and Fr [[Michael Shehadie]].
On 18 June 1964, Fr Nicolas Mansour arrived in Sydney The Second World War precluded any replacement priest from Beirut Lebanon, and commenced duties as parish priest with liturgy on Sunday 21 June 1964either America or Antioch until after World War 2. Soon after his arrivalIn 1948, the church was consecrated by Bp Dionysios (GOA)Exarchos [[George Haydar]] arrived, and in 1967 the church hall and presbytery were completedwas ideally suited to minister to migrants from Lebanon. However, the spread of Antiochian faithful all over New South Wales A rectory was too much for one parish priestbuilt in 1953.  At the request of Fr NicolasExarchos George reposed in 1962, the Church of Antioch sent Archimandrite Gibran to Australia to find out how to solve the problem. On Archim. Gibran's recommendations, the Holy Synod elevated the Exarchate of Australia and New Zealand to a diocese. his funeral was conducted by Patriarchal Exarch Archim. Gibran was consecrated a bishop and appointed Patriarchal Vicar Anthony Woolf of the new dioceseSydney, assisted by clergy from many jurisdictions.
===Melbourne===In 19291963, James Batrouney visited Lebanon/SyriaFr [[Gabraeel Fadel]] arrived to serve at St Nicholas, and the parish entered a period of consolidation. Fr Gabraeel left in 1967, met Archimandrite to be replaced by Fr [[Antonious Malatius (MobayedEssam)Hussney|Malatius (Essam) Hussney]], and on his return to Melbourne, Archim. Antonious who was recommended as a suitable priest (being well-educated and speaking Arabic, Russian and Greek) for the church [[ordination|ordained]] in Melbourne1968. Patriarch Arsanios of Antioch commissioned Archim. Antonious as Fr Malatius worked for the first priest second wave of the Antiochian Orthodox Church Lebanese immigrants to be actively involved in Victoria. He arrived on 12 Nov 1931, bringing and donating everything essential for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Some running of these items can still be found at Saint St Nicholas Church today.
The first services were held in Saint George Anglican Mission, the beginning ===Church of a long and amicable relationship between Anglicans and Orthodox in Victoria. In March 1932 the community purchased a churchSt Michael, where Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church stands todayDunedin===A small, using four £125 donations from John Batrouneymodest, Joseph & Walter Davis, and Alex Malouly. The iconostasis, based on wooden church in the iconostasis south of New Zealand has the [[Holy Resurrection Cathedral (Tokyodistinction of, Japan)|Holy Resurrection Cathedral]]in 1911, Tokyo, was completed by Palm Sunday, 1932, when being the first service was held Orthodox church to be built in the Church. At New Zealand, and the first council meeting of May 1932, it was decided Antiochian Orthodox church to name the church after St Nicholasbe built in Australasia. The church was consecrated on 1 October 1933 by Metropolitan [[Timotheos (Evangelinidis) has since been made part of Rhodes|Timotheos]], the head of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Australia and New Zealand. The consecration, attended by Rev. F.E. Maynard (Anglican) and the Greek and French consuls, was chanted in Arabic, English, Greek, and SlavonicHistoric Places Trust as a category 2 building.
Saint Nicholas included both Arabic members and Russian membersIn 1890, the latter group also contributing a number of Syrians immigrated to bringing Archim. Antonious to AustraliaNew Zealand, converting the church into an Orthodox church, writing icons, and organising a choir which would chant the Liturgy settling in Slavonic on every fourth SundayDunedin. When the Russians established their first church in Melbourne in the early 1950sMany went to Auckland, however, the committee of Saint Nicholas donated a Slavonic Bible in memory of Archim. Antoniousabout fifteen Orthodox families, mostly from Syria and as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the Syrian/Lebanese Lebanon founded and built the Russianschurch.
With Arabic and Slavonic choirs, a youth societyMrs Anthony Idour wrote to the [[Patriarch]] of Antioch, Syrian/Lebanese youth that knew through the service in Arabic[[Bishop]] of Tripoli, and a priest willing to travel to Sydney, Adelaide and New Zealand permission was given to raise funds for the fledgling church, St Nicholas had been built into proceed with building a strong, pan-Orthodox church. HoweverA committee headed by Jack Idour raised 480 pounds in just over 6 months, after a short illness, Archim. Antonious reposed on [[November 9]], 1943paying for the building. He was buried by Metropolitan TimotheosGenerous donors included Acton Adams of the Moa Flat Station, assisted by Archimandrite [[Theophylactos (Papathanasopoulos) and Bishop Nevill of Australia and New Zealand|Theophylactos]] and Fr [[Michael Shehadie]]the Dunedin Anglican Diocese.
The Second World War precluded any replacement priest from either America or Antioch until after World War 2. In 1948More money was required to pay for furniture, Exarchos [[George Haydar]] arrivedso the Lebanese produced material for a bazaar, and was ideally suited to minister to migrants from Lebanon. A rectory was built held in 1953. Exarchos George reposed the St Kilda Town Hall in 1962, 1911 and his funeral was conducted opened by Patriarchal Exarch Archimthe Mayor of Dunedin. Anthony Woolf of Sydney Yielding several hundred pounds, assisted by clergy from many jurisdictionsSt Michael's Antiochian Orthodox Church opened debt free.
In 1963, Fr Hmk [[Gabraeel FadelNicholas (Manovitch)]] had arrived to serve at St Nicholasin New Zealand in 1910, and the parish entered a period of consolidationcelebrated services. Fr Gabraeel left A site had been acquired in 1967Fingall St, to be replaced South Dunedin by Fr September 1910. On [[Malatius (Essam) Hussney |Malatius (Essam)HussneyJanuary 14]], who 1911, St Michael's Orthodox Church was ordained in 1968opened, having been consecrated by Archim. Nicholas (Manovitch). Services were held regularly until 1913 when Fr Malatius worked for the second wave of Lebanese immigrants Nicholas moved to be actively involved in the running of St NicholasSydney.
===During times that there was no Orthodox priest, which were always visiting until 1971, the church was closed. In 1916, Fr [[Nicholas Shehadie]] spent 2-3 months in Dunedin===*, holding Orthodox services. In 1937, Archim. [http://www[Antonious (Mobayed)]] stayed in Dunedin for several months, during which time it was arranged that, having instructed them in the rudiments of Eastern Orthodox Liturgics, Canon A.antiochianP.orgPywell, and then the Vicar of Holy Cross Anglican Church in St Kilda, would look after the congregation as an interim measure.nz/parishes/Dunedin_Files/ Archim. Antonious visited Dunedinfor the last time in 1939.html The Antiochian Orthodox Church in Dunedin]care of St Michael's became an accepted responsibility of the Vicars of Holy Cross, St Kilda, until 1971.
==Diocese==
In 1969, Bp [[Gibran (Ramlawey) of Australia and New Zealand|Gibran]], having been consecrated by Metropolitan [[Philip (Saliba) of New York]], arrived in Sydney, Australia.  In 19731971, an Anglican priest in New Zealand decided, seeing the trend of Anglicanism away from its traditional roots, to convert to Orthodoxy, and was ordained in September 1972 by Bp [[Gibran requested that a new church be built on the other side (Ramlawey) of SydneyAustralia and New Zealand|Gibran]]. Fr [[John ShehadieJack Witbrock]] served as [[rector]], son of Exarch Nicholas Shehadie, was appointed priest of the new church of St NicholasMichael's, PunchbowlDunedin, and served there for the next 12 years until his 1987 retirementhe was succeeded by Fr [[Ilyan Eades]].
In Melbourne, the desire of Fr Malatius Hussney to actively involve new arrivals to Australia led to a split, with the older members of St Nicholas feeling unwanted. As ; as a result, St George was founded in Thornbury, Melbourne, in 1972. The next year, Bp Gibran wanted a new church built in the western suburbs of Sydney. Fr [[John Shehadie]], son of Exarch Nicholas Shehadie, was appointed priest of the new church of St Nicholas, Punchbowl, and served there until his 1987 retirement.
Fr Malatius worked very hard for St Nicholas, including going to Lebanon and Cyprus to help refugees of the Civil War to obtain visa's to come to Australia. After Fr Malatius left to serve parishes in the United States, Fr Emile Assaf was assigned to St Nicholas from 1977 to 1990. Fr Emile continued to serve newly arrived migrants, and also renovated and redecorated St Nicholas - rendering external walls, erecting a fence, replacing the floor, purchasing new pews, painting the walls with icons and, towards the end of his tenure, renovating the rectory.
In 1982, Fr Elias Khoury was ordained to the priesthood, and assigned to St Nicholas, Punchbowl. In 1985, he was elevated to Archpriest. In the same year, a new parish was established in Mays Hill and named St Mary's, for the Nativity of the [[Theotokos|Mother of God]]. The first priest was Fr [[John Shehadie|Hanna Shehadie]], and the community worshipped in Granville. In 1987, St Mary's - now led by Fr [[Stephen Godley]] - moved to Merrylands; also in 1985, a parish in Wollongong was founded and named for St Elias.
In 19851986, a new parish was established in Mays Hill, and named St MaryGeorge'sdecided to purchase its own church from the Anglican Church. Renovation started immediately, and were completed in 1988, when renovations of the hall began - these were completed in 1991, for making the Nativity hall one of the [[Theotokos|Mother of God]]most attractive Arabic special events halls in Melbourne. The first priest was Fr [[John Shehadie | Hanna Shehadie]]In 1994, and the community worshipped in Granvilleproperty adjacent to St George's (including a rectory) was purchased.
In 19861987 was a landmark year, St George's with the Antiochian Orthodox Churchof St George, MelbourneRedfern, decided Sydney, being elevated to purchase its own church, and did so from the Anglican Church. Renovation started immediatelyCathedral of the Diocese.
In 19871989, St Mary's moved to MerrylandsBp Gibran appointed the first committee of a new parish in Brisbane, which was registered in 1990. In 1993, led by Fr [[Stephen Godley]], and in John Abdel-Karim became the same year, first parish priest of the Antiochian Orthodox Church of St GeorgePaul, RedfernWoolloongabba, Sydney, was elevated to CathedralBrisbane.
In 1988The site for St Mary's, Mays Hill, was purchased in January 1991, with Fr Emile Assaf being transferred from St Nicholas, Melbourne, to pastor the new church with Fr Aziz Abwi. The first services were held in the church building purchased by hall of St GeorgeMary's had completed its renovation. After thisin 1994, with the renovation of first services in the hall beganchurch being on Good Friday, 1999.
In 19891994, Bp Gibran appointed Fr Elias Khoury, parish priest of St Nicholas, Punchbowl, began working with the first committee Department of Community Services and administered a new parish in Brisbaneprogram, Ortho-Care, which was registered in 1990designed to help those requiring financial and spiritual assistance.
In 1991the mid-1990s, changing beliefs and practises in the hall Anglican Communion, culminating in the ordination of women to the priesthood, caused a number of clergy to leave the Anglican Communion and join the Orthodox Church. Many of these moved to the Antiochian Orthodox Church, creating St Barnabas Parish, Gold Coast; St GeorgeAnthony the Great Parish, Perth; [[St. Anna Convent (Preston, Victoria)|St Anna's churchMonastery]], Melbourne; and a parish in Canberra (which later moved to [[Diocese of Australia and New Zealand (ROCOR)|ROCOR]]), Thornburyalong with other clergy, was completedincluding Rev. Fr Geoff Harvey, and is now one of the most attractive Arabic special event venues in Melbournewho were assigned to pre-existing churches.
In January 19911998, the site for a parish at Mt Pritchard was founded and dedicated to St Mary's, Mays Hill, for the Dormition of the Mother of God. Bishop Gibran reposed on 16 January 1999 after thirty years of service for the Church in Australia and New Zealand. Fr Elias Khoury was purchased, with Fr Emile Assaf being transferred from St Nicholas, Melbourne, to pastor named as the temporary administrator of the new parish with Fr Aziz Abwidiocese.
==Archdiocese==In 1993September 1999, Fr John Abdel-Karim became the first parish priest Holy Synod of Antioch decided to elevate the Church diocese of St Australia and New Zealand to archdiocese with its own ruling metropolitan archbishop. Archimandrite Paul, Woolloongabbaparish priest in Washington DC, Brisbanewas appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of the [[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand]]. He arrived in Australia and took possession of the archdiocese on 29 November 1999.
1999 prompted a flurry of activity. In 1994December, Met. Abp Paul visited Newcastle and Brisbane, and prompted the first services were held in decision to build the church hall of St Mary'sPaul in Woolloongabba, Mays HillBrisbane. Fr Elias Khoury began working with the Department of Community Services and administered a new program Three parishes were formed in 1999, including St Ignatius Mission, Canberra, OrthoBuna-CareVestire Church, designed to help those requiring financial Bankstown (NSW) and spiritual assistance. St George's, ThornburyHerman of Alaska, purchased the property Canterbury (with rectoryVic) adjacent to the church.
Bishop Gibran reposed on 16 In January 19992000, Fr John Vesic was appointed parish priest of St Mary's Church, Mays Hill, which is especially notable as Fr John does not speak Arabic. In June of the same year, Fr Elias Khoury Nicholas Gan (in Newcastle) was named as released to join the temporary administrator of the dioceseMoscow Patriarchate. The first services were held in Holy Synod of Moscow accepted him on 19 July 2000, along with the new church Eastern Orthodox Parish of St Mary'sthe Theophany at Mayfield West, Mays HillNewcastle, which had been under the care of Bp Gibran on Good Friday 1999behalf of Moscow.
==2001 was another time of great activity for the Archdiocese==In November 1999, the Holy Synod of Antioch decided to elevate the diocese particularly in New Zealand: St George, Auckland, St George, Wellington, and Sts Gregory of Australia Nyssa and New Zealand to archdiocese with its own ruling metropolitan archbishopMarina, Diamond Harbour, were all founded in this year. Archimandrite In Australia, St Paul, parish priest Dandenong (Vic) was founded; and in Washington DCDecember 2001, Fr John Vesic was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop parish priest of the [[newly-formed Ss Michael and Gabriel parish, the first English-speaking Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, parish in New ZealandSouth Wales. The new parish worshipped in rented premises in Homebush until 2005, and All Oceania]]when it moved to West Ryde.
In December 1999the meantime, Met Abp Paul visited Newcastle and then Brisbane. He prompted the decision to build the church Church of St Paul , Brisbane, celebrated its first services in their new church in Woolloongabba2002, Brisbanewith this church being consecrated in 2006.
In January 20002003 was a third time of great activity. The first English-speaking Antiochian Orthodox parish in Victoria was established, with Fr John Vesic was appointed parish Geoff Harvey as the founding priest , under the patronage of St Mary's Churchthe Good Shepherd. Later, Mays Hillworship was moved to Monash University, with Fr Geoff becoming the first Antiochian Orthodox university chaplain in Australia. Fr John does not speak ArabicAlso in 2003, two parishes in New Zealand were founded, along with the Melbourne Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, where studies began in 2004.
In June 20002004, Fr Nicholas Gan of Newcastle was released to join at the Moscow Patriarchate. The Holy Synod instigation of Moscow accepted him on 19 July 2000Met Abp Paul, along with the Parish parish of St Nicholas Bankstown, bought the Theophany at Mayfield West, Newcastle, which had been under land that the care of Bp Gibran church is on behalf of Moscowfrom the NSW government. The property is held for the parish by the Antiochian Orthodox Church Property Trust.
In December 2001August 2005, Archpriest [[Nicolas Mansour]] retired from full-time pastoral work, Fr John Vesic was appointed parish priest ending 42 years of Ss Michael and Gabriel parishservice at the Cathedral. Archim. [[Nabil (Kachab)]], formerly of St Nicholas, Punchbowl, replaced him as Dean of the first fully English-speaking Antiochian Orthodox parish in New South Wales. The new parish worshipped in rented premises in Homebush until 2005Cathedral.
In 2002December 2006 saw Fr John Vesic released to the [[Serbian Orthodox Church in Australia and New Zealand]], when he was replaced at Sts Michael and Gabriel by Fr Luke Bell. After Fr Luke left the first services were held Archdiocese in the new church of St Paul, Woolloongabbalate 2007, Brisbanehe was succeeded by Fr Antonio Cagnoni.
Since his conversion from the Church of Christ and his ordination in 2006, Fr John D'Alton has made several inroads in a number of very important areas. In 2004the first 18 months after his ordination, at he was made the instigation university chaplain of Met Abp PaulLa Trobe University, the parish of St Nicholas Bankstownfirst Orthodox military chaplain in Australia, bought is the land that rector of the church Holy Transfiguration Mission, Belgrave Heights, and is on from the NSW government. The property is held in trust president of the [[Melbourne Institute for the parish by the Antiochian Orthodox Church Property TrustChristian Studies]].
In August 2005, Archpriest Fr ==Related articles==*[[Nicolas MansourAntiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand]] retired from full-time pastoral work, ending 42 years of service at *[[Clergy in the Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral Archdiocese of St George. Archim. Australia and New Zealand]]*[[Nabil (Kachab)Timeline of Orthodoxy in Australia]], formerly *[[Timeline of St Nicholas, Punchbowl, replaced him as Dean of the Cathedral and parish priest of Redfern.Orthodoxy in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Church History]]
[[Category:Orthodoxy in Australia]]
[[Category:Orthodoxy in New Zealand]]
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