We welcome Fr Themi, missionary priest to Sierra Leone, as a long-time friend of the Mission.

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We are honoured to have received a collection of nine ‘matchstick’ models of Russian Churches donated by Mrs Elizabeth J. Harris.

This magnificent collection of intricately detailed models is understood to have been based on centuries-old Orthodox Churches which were destroyed by the communists during the Soviet-era.

The models were acquired by Mrs Harris, in Adelaide in the mid-1990s. The original model artist is not known.

We acknowledge and thank Dr Ann Abbott who presented these models to Holy Cross Mission in fulfillment of her mother’s wishes that they be preserved and displayed in an Orthodox Church connected with the Russian jurisdiction, yet not bound to the Russian language and culture. She wanted the beauty of these expressions of the Faith to be known and appreciated by a wider audience.

Holy Cross Mission uniquely fulfills her intention – an Orthodox community of all nations, living in contemporary English-speaking Australia, and under the canonical protection of Metropolitan Hilarion (ROCOR).

The models are in generally good condition and require only minor repairs and cleaning. We are investigating the best way to preserve and display these wonderful artifacts at the Mission in a manner fitting of their value.

A full set of photographs will be presented once the models are ready for display.

We would welcome learning more about the artist or details of the Churches depicted by the models. If anyone has knowledge of these, please contact the Mission Administrator. (info@australianorthodox.org )

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Today is the first Sunday in Lent, and together with the whole Church we celebrate the Triumph of Orthodoxy.

Icons were restored to their rightful place in the Services of the Church and the private devotional life of the Faithful by the 7th Ecumenical Council (Nicea, AD787).

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We have recently welcomed Silouan & Cathy into our fellowship at Holy Cross Mission.
Although not new to Orthodox Christianity, Silouan began his formal entry into the Church with the prayers of Making of a Catechumen (6 September) folllowed by his Baptism on 4 October.

Many Years to you both, Silouan & Cathy.

Tags: Mission News
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The Mission welcomes the newly catechised Sean into the Church.
Fr Benjamin led Sean and the missioners in the Prayers of Making of a Catechumen on 27 September.

Welcome & Many Years, Sean.

Newly catechised Sean (middle) together with Fr Benjamin & (sponsor) Nicholas

Some of the Missioners at our (Patronal) Feast of the Exhaltation of the Cross, welcoming Sean.

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The workload on the clergy at the Mission is  great indeed. We are at the fore-front of the mission field, and the number of people who come and seek answers and/or assistance grows larger every day. The Board together with all the missioners has accepted the offer made by Metropolitan Hilarion and the Dean, Fr Michael, for the Mission to have “rotating clergy celebrating the priestly services”. We believe that this will not place the entire burden of mission on one or two priests alone.

The cycle of services will continue as always. The doors will continue to be open as always. The vision of the Mission continues to be stronger and wider.

Tags: Add new tag, Clergy serving at the Mission
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Deacon Fr Barnabas was ordained to the priesthood on June 3rd 2009, at the Monastery of the prophet Elias. We are overcome with joy, and we too add our voices and exclaim: “Axios!”

Archbishop Hilarion ordains Fr Barnabas

Fr Benjamin (left) and Fr Barnabas at the Monastery of the Prophet Elias

Tags: Add new tag, Ordination of Fr Barnabus
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